JUDE
"You are fun."
"No, I am not," I shake my head, licking my lips as I sigh tiredly.
"I am not fun, I just get drunk and try to forget I exist, and then just act all rowdy. I miss being carefree, light, as I perform, as I show up in the world. The naivety I had is something I never thought I would miss or even want back. I don't feel as fresh as I felt one year ago."
He takes my hand, thumb caressing my palm. "You are burnt out."
"Very. I am barely standing up on two steady feet."
"This year has been a lot, hasn't it?" he asks, leaning closer and smiling softly, as his eyes rove all over my face. He pushes my hair back, tucking it behind my ear.
"It's been really long and short at the same time, but also very heavy. A lot has happened in such a short time."
"It hasn't felt short," I chuckle.
"I know," he pulls his hand away, and I miss them immediately. "Go on the break with me."
