Jennifer Hartmann

“You would have adopted both dogs because your heart is too big for only one.”

“I didn’t think you ever noticed my heart.”

“I didn’t think you ever noticed my heart.”

It’s a heavy declaration, and I hate that it’s true.

Dean’s weary face grows even wearier as he absorbs my words. “It’s impossible not to notice, Cora.”

“I told you her heart was still beating. As long as it was beating, she was okay.”

She laughs. She fucking laughs and it’s the best gift ever.

I’m here, and I see her—every scar, every flaw, every broken, hollow piece.

And I understand

I’m certain she can feel my heartbeat radiate right through her as she drifts to sleep. I wonder if she can feel how broken it is.

I look up at her just as she shoots me the sweetest smile that makes my heart do things it really shouldn’t

Healing.

She looks like healing

Healing.

She feels like healing.