(Karsten)
Arata stayed with me irrespective of my and others' insistence that she should spend the nights at home and rest.
We shifted to a room with two beds so she could peacefully sleep at night. Sometimes she would just crawl into my bed and lie with me gently.
Holding me, ensuring I was there with her.
"You know how much I missed you?" I asked, rubbing my fingers over her shoulder.
"Uhh!" She whispered, pressing her face into my chest.
"Like a piece of my heart had been torn out and left a black hole in its wake. It wouldn't fill, no matter what I did," I explained and she purred into my chest.
"I am not going anywhere now, Karsten. Prepare yourself to get used to my presence 24/7." Her fingers slowly crawled on my chest, feeling every rivulet, every muscle. The movement of her fingertips developed a soothing rhythm.
I stared down at her. "Told you I will win your father over." She didn't need to know he still hated me but just granted me permission.
