It feels, in some way, like a fever dream – she’s there and he’s in her mouth and she can feel all of him, but she’s not there and she doesn’t know what’s happening and none of it matters anyway.

He runs his hands through her hair, drawing it back, mumbling something that barely registers at first but then makes her pause.

“Ba’t ka umiiyak?”

She blinks. Once, then twice, then breath stopping horror as she feels the tear slip down her cheek.

Oh my god –

Didshejustcrydidshereallycryshedidreallycrydidn'tshe

He eases out and gives her a moment. Pulls her up, draws her close. Gently wipes the tear on her face with his thumb.

“Sorry I – it’s just –” she doesn’t even look at him as she stammers.

“Okay lang.”