I lay on my side of the bed, staring up at the ceiling. My face is a storm cloud of childish betrayal—a pout so profound it feels etched into my bones.
He promised.
He promised, and this is what I get?
Deniz lies perfectly still beside me. Between us, a fortress rises. A great wall of pillows, plumped and positioned with strategic, infuriating care.
My grand plan to sleep beside him, to feel the steady rhythm of his breathing, to maybe, maybe drift off with my head on his chest… lies in ruins, thwarted by a barrier of cotton and fluff.
A heavy, dramatic sigh escapes me. I turn my head, just my eyes, to look at him. His own eyes are closed, his breathing deliberately even.
"Are you sleeping?"
My voice is a sulky whisper in the dim room.
He doesn't open his eyes.
"Yes. I'm trying."
I glare at the pillow barricade.
"Is this… wall… really necessary?"
"Yes."
I prop myself up on one elbow.
"Can I remove it?"
His eyes remain shut.
"No."
