After River

He lays awake, staring at the ceiling, Damocles sprawled and snoring on the comforter next to him. The dog was pleased to have his place in the bed back, though he didn't understand why River wasn't staying again.

Richard wasn't too certain himself.

He hasn't seen her since after breakfast, since he took care of his morning exercises. It'd been nice to do something mindless that would wear him out in a completely different way and just run for a couple of hours.

But laying in bed waiting for sleep, there's nothing to distract his brain. He misses River terribly. Lovesick, sneers his mind. He agrees without contention. That much is pointless to fight.

What will you do when she leaves?
If she leaves.
They always leave.
He has no answer to that.
So when she follows through?
I'll deal with it then. Live and learn. The end of my lovelife is hardly the end of the world.
It'll feel that way.
I've dealt with worse.
It'll hurt.
I know.
And still...?
It's not like I have a lot of choice in the matter.
You could end it now.
He gives the ceiling a look that implies it's a great moron.
No. No, I don't suppose you could.
No.
Where does that leave us?
With a girlfriend, apparently.
Feels like more.
I know.
Could be worse.
Very much so.
Last night was fun.
He smiles.

















Go to sleep, Richard.