The Tangle Meet me out by the fire escape

He did not reach for her, and though some wild part of her missed his touch, she was also reassured that he did not pull away or stiffen. She could see he did not pine for her, and while it had felt divine to feel wanted, she now felt relieved that he did not seem so torn. 

But what decision had he made? Her heart jolted slightly and one ear turned back. What would she do if he had decided he wanted to return with her now, when she had already become so used to her lot? She’d craved for him to be with her once before, but now she was not so sure she would feel appropriate taking him home, and keeping him at a distance…

She wasn’t prompted to speak further about the children, so she leaned in, her questioning glance urging him to explain further. She tried to prepare herself to pivot, and find a way to fit him into the fold somehow, if that was what he’d decided.