With You Always

"Stay with me?" Ryan's voice is quiet and warm.

"I could stay here forever," Ellie says, sounding blissful, "but I can't," her voice changes, as if she's snapping back into reality.

Ryan looks hurt and starts to stand up. The pain is visible in Ellie's eyes. Leaving seems to be hurting her more than the bruises on her arms and face. Ryan seems to notice her pain, because he pulls her into a hug.

"I'll be fine, and if you stay quiet and do what you're told, you will too."

A smile starts to show on Ellie's lips. The two of them walk home, him still holding her.

"You should go before she sees you," Ellie tries to smile as they reach her house.

Ryan nods, "With you..."

"Always," Ellie finishes.

He kisses the top of her head, and she disappears into the darkness that waits behind the door.

With you always?
That was what we always said to each other.
And why is that?
It was something we thought up when we were kids. It gave us hope.
Hope?
That sometimes you do get to stay with the people you love.