Conversation 3

"I'm afraid." She said simply, and she looked down, rubbing her hands together.

He nodded and reached out his hand. He tried to touch her, but he was scared she would jump, instead he withdrew his hand and asked,

"Scared of what?"

She hesitated but then said,

"I'm afraid of being alone."

He moved a little close to where she was sitting, on the opposite end of the couch. Her legs were sprawled and didn't quite reach close to where he was. He felt an invisible bubble around her, and if he popped it, she might fade away. They sat silent for a few minutes, both struggling to find something to fill the void.

After a full five minutes, he finally replied, looking at her gently,

"Me too."