I always wonder what it feels like to have a family. To be loved by parents, to be playfully teased by siblings. A peaceful house. A warm voice calling out, "Damien, dinner's ready."
My eyes fly open, my body trembling. It's only a dream. I sit up and brush my hair back, trying to calm myself. Calm down, Dane. It's just a dream.
It has been years since I last dreamed of such warmth—of a family smiling at me, a home filled with peace. A bitter laugh slips from my lips. Impossible. That life doesn't belong to me.
I stand, stretch my stiff body, and walk out of the room. The smell of food reaches me before I see Jimmy in the kitchen, busy with breakfast.
"Good morning," I say.
To my surprise, he looks up with a smile. "Morning."
I freeze for a moment. He's actually smiling. His mood is good—and strangely, that makes me feel lighter too. Pouring myself a glass of water, I drink slowly.
"How are you feeling?" he asks.
"I'm okay. Thanks for last night."
