“I think it’s getting kind of serious.” I said to Catarina after I got dressed for the day.

“Oh yea?” She cawed.

“Yes, even though we haven’t kissed yet.” I muttered with a soft smile. Hal had been so patient with me. He started showing up to my house everyday when I wasn’t replying to his texts. He would wait outside for me when I cam out for my morning critter hunts. He would talk and follow next to me. At first I never really spoke back. Slowly, very slowly, I began to talk back, a little here, a few words there. After a few months we were having conversations and he asked me out on another date.

The dates started simple. On one we just met at the park and walked and talked. The summer air was cool and there was a slight breeze. It was a beautiful night. The stars and moon were out, lighting the night sky, the town was quiet, bird and insect noises filled the air. In the distance we heard wolves howl. I was so glad I’d moved here. Looking at Hal that night I decided I was glad for multiple reasons.

One night I was sound asleep i my bed upstairs, Catarina snoozing across the room on her perch. I couldn’t tell you my dreams of that night, but I can tell you what woke me. A screech filled the air and I shot straight up, panic shooting through my body. The alarm. The burglar alarm. I ran downstairs to find a burglar in my house.

The burglar, hearing the alarm and seeing me begin to panic. Before we both knew it a cop was in the house, cuffing the criminal. She led the burglar out to the police car and came back in. “He didn’t end up taking anything. Be sure to make sure you lock your doors at night. We may be a small town, miss, but bad stuff can still happen.” She said, tipping her hat good bye.

I stood in the kitchen, looking around. What would have happened if I hadn’t had an alarm? If I hadn’t woken up? I shivered and pulled out my phone, biting my lip. I couldn’t go to sleep after this. I dialed and waited.

“Hello?” The voice muttered, heavy with sleep.

I sob I didn’t even know I was holding escaped my lips. “Hal…” I whisper.

“What, what is it Kay?” He asked, his voice suddenly sharp.

“Can…can you come over?” I whisper, my panic still sending jolts through me. My free hand clutched the hem of my pjs.

“Give me two minutes.” He said.

I nod, then remember he can’t see me. “O-okay.” The line goes dead.

He ran in in his pajama bottoms. “Kay, sweetie, what happened? What’s wrong?” He said frantically, coming right up to me.

I shook my head, feeling the tears I was holding back spill over. “Th-there was a burglar.” I stuttered as he pulled me close.

“Shhh, shhhh, it’s okay sweetie, I’m here now.” He whispered into her hair. “You’re safe now. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” He held me there, in his arms, consoling me for what seemed like forever. Once my tears were dried I pulled away. I felt safe in his arms. Comfortable. Our eyes met and he smiled softly. “Better?” He asked. I nodded.

“Yes, thank you.” I muttered, moving my hands up to his neck. “Hal…”

“Yes?” He said, his hands running through my hair to keep me calm.

“I-I’m so glad you’re here.” With a nervous smile I leaned forward, closing my eyes.

Our lips met and my heart raced, something other than panic shooting through me. I pulled away with a gasp. Hal looks at me, “I’m sorry, did I do something wrong?” He asked, hurriedly. I shook my head quickly.

Hal reaching up to place his hands on the sides of my head. “Sweetie, it’ll be okay. How bout we go to bed okay? I’ll stay up to watch the house and you get some rest.”

I nodded, leaning in to kiss him one more time, reveling in the feelings it gave me. When I got back into my bed he pulled a chair up next to it and held onto my hand as I fell asleep.