Chapitre 59: Chapter 59

“I had this idea,” Francis said, seeming a bit hesitant. “I know I can’t be there for you when the call comes, but I’d like you to have something to hang on to.”

“Okay…. What did you have in mind?” Mark frowned, feeling confused. He thought it was a good idea, but he didn’t know what it could be.

“Well, I know touch is the easiest thing to keep you grounded, right?” Francis placed a hand on Mark’s thigh, squeezing firmly. Mark nodded. “So how about I give you the mother of all hickeys right here, and if you need help, you push on it.” He demonstrated by pressing his fingers into the spot he’d squeezed.

It was so simple, but Mark saw how it could help.

“Yeah, I like it. Please?” he asked, surprised about the waver in his own voice.

He felt more like his regular self in the early morning light. The softness and utter relaxation from the night before was gone, and the usual walls he kept around himself for different situations were starting to fall in place.