Feeling dazed and off balance, you trudged through the fields at the back of the property with Hugh by your side. Stumbling over uneven surfaces and potholes, you tried to get your bearings, while Hugh remained patient the entire time.

You felt like you were emerging from hibernation. Like a bear waking up after a long winters sleep.

The watery sunshine felt strange on your face, but the feel of his hand in yours felt right.

You knew Hugh could walk a lot faster than this, and you were slowing him down, but he seemed content to keep pace with you, while you felt more alive than you had in weeks.

You two walked for hours through the fields and country lanes, while Hugh filled you in on everything that had happened since the last meetup. You couldn't retain half of what he was telling you, but the sound of his voice was so soothing that you never wanted him to stop talking to you. You could spend the rest of your life listening to his voice and never grow tired.

It was hard to explain the comfort Hugh's presence gave you. He made it easy to be alive. You knew that was a strange thing to think, but it was how you felt.

Living was a lot easier when Hugh was nearby. When you were doing your living with him.

By the time you two made it back to your house, after spending an eternity rambling through the countryside, it was dark outside.

You weren’t afraid, though. Not when you had the brave knight to protect you. You had faith in his ability to keep the monsters away.

You trusted him to never let go of your hand.

No matter what.

"Aw crap," Hugh groaned, when you rounded the side of your house and locked eyes on his mother's car. "I'm a dead man walking."

You opened your mouth to ask him why, but his mother got there first.

"Hugh Andrew Biggs!" Sinead called out. "That better be you skulking behind the house!

Hiding behind the side of the house, Hugh released an audible groan. "Jesus, she sounds really pissed."

"Why?" You asked, turning to look at him.

"So, I sort of didn't tell her I was coming over," He explained sheepishly. "And I sort of didn't ask for permission to cycle to your house, either."

"Oh." You felt yourself laugh for the first time in weeks. "You are so dead."

"Elizabeth Eleanor Young!" That was your mother. "Return the boy to his mother right this instant."

"Yeah, Elizabeth." Hugh waggled his brows playfully. "Return me to my mother right this instant."