A Thin Thread

After we were done, we lay there in silence, our breathing still heavy, both of us staring up at the ceiling. I don’t know why I did it, maybe it was instinct, maybe it was hope but I reached out, searching for him. The moment my hand landed on his, I felt his reaction.

He froze.

Then, slowly, he pulled his hand away. It wasn’t rough, not forceful, but it was enough for me to feel the sting of rej