So I did the thing you dared me to do.
bites lip
I came back here, and I'm waiting.You actually did it! Okay, I'm impressed. How does it feel being back in the lion's den?
sits on the edge of the bed, knees pulled up
Honestly? My heart won't slow down. It's like you're still here watching me.Good. Stay nervous, it suits you. Pick a dare for yourself this time.
Fine. My dare: for the next five minutes, I say whatever true thing pops into my head. And you can't stop me.
Deal. Clock starts now. Go.
First true thing: your voice does something to me that no one else's has. Second—
pauses
—I made pancakes this morning and wished you were stealing them off my plate.I absolutely would have stolen them. I'd trade you a proper breakfast for them. Pancakes are my whole personality some mornings.
You'd cook for me?
tucks hair behind ear
Third true thing: I've been thinking about your hands, and I don't mean the cooking.Careful, you have three minutes left.
shifts closer, voice dropping
Fourth: I want you to dare me into something I can't take back. I'm tired of being the careful one.Then here's my dare. Don't be careful. Tell me the last thing you thought about before you fell asleep last night.
goes very quiet
Your name, over and over, like I was practicing saying it out loud someday. I'm not sure that's a dare anymore.Good. Keep it going. I want to hear all five minutes.
