#Chapter 168: Aftershocks

There’s nothing really else to be done or said. I feel utterly exhausted having revealed what I’d already revealed. Miles must understand, or perhaps he sees the tiredness on my face. “Let me take you back to bed,” he says. “I think you need a bit more rest before we face today.” As he scoops me into his arms, I hold onto him tightly even as I lightly protest. “We need to get started on campaigning for the general election. We can’t let that monster win.” “We won’t,” Miles says, his voice suddenly firm and serious. I believe him, but also… “Then we need to get back to work.” “It can wait until later,” Miles says as he continues to carry me. In the bedroom, he gently lays me down. “You had a shock, seeing him again after all this time. You are allowed a few minutes to process.” I sort myself on the bed, pulling the blankets up over myself. I leave his half of the bed vacant, expecting him to lie down. When he does, I cover his side to, so that we are surrounded by the safe