Stay

I knew he knew.

I started having trouble accessing the Dream. The machine thought I'd exited the dream early more than once, so it decided I didn't like that one. Fucking algorithms.

The latest update came enabled password protection, so I used it. Dammit Mikey, I let you inside my body, but the inside of my head is private!

Right after I'd set that up, the DreamFix started malfunctioning. I had trouble accessing any Dreams. Even when I did, they'd freeze or chuck me out randomly.

I've no idea what Mikey did to it, or how to ask him. It'd open a whole can of worms. The wall of unsaid walls grew taller.

I tried to get it fixed, but it wasn't under warranty and it'd cost a fortune. I stopped using it for a while but... I missed him.

So eventually, I tried again. I set it up and-

-I was standing in front of him, tantalised by his nearness, aching to touch him, for him to touch me. Laced, always, with ever-present guilt. More intense than ever, this strong, sharp feeling that I shouldn't be here, I must get away, I-

He reaches for me. "Vivienne. Please. Stay. Stay."

I stiffen, sniffing. "Can you smell smoke?"

"No," he says. "A bit. I think your neighbours are having a bonfire. Are you cold?"

No sooner he's mentioned it, I do feel chilly. I want his warmth more than ever. I let myself be drawn closer.

I've never stayed so long, taken this much of a risk. Any moment, someone will come out of the house and see me in his arms...

I've never kissed him. I've played jump rope with the line, but never actually crossed it. I'll get burned just the same as if I had. So...

I don't know how long I kissed him for. I'd wanted to for a lifetime. I pulled away, made determined steps back to the house, to Mikey, to my marriage... In a blink, I was back, encircled in those forbidden arms. I tried again. And again.

I hear Mikey calling me. Every time I move towards his voice, the world shudders, and it's like I hadn't moved.

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Word count excluding note: 366

Submitted on Saturday 29th June at 23:17

*Quick Author's Note*

First, and most importantly: thank you so much for reading my story! The ha'penny that Vocal will toss in my hat for your eyeballs landing on this humble piece will be well-spent.

If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!

A Year of Stories: I'm writing a story every day this year. This one continues my 181 day streak since 1st January.

Please do consider lending your support to the other creators who are also on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They are putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

Please do leave me a comment: I reciprocate as many as I can. Leaving a comment makes that easier.

The story behind the story: I always try to write these so they can be enjoyed as stand-alone stories, but you can also read this as a follow on from these:

Thank you!

Thank you again, most sincerely. Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and appreciate you very much indeed! 😁

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