In the darkness I lay next to you under the doona we picked out together but never used; I remember it was on sale.

In the darkness you cuddle tightly into me, your face pressed against my neck; the barriers of polite distance temporarily torn down.

In the darkness you are a little boy again, an innocent with tousled hair and no defences; I wish I could keep you this way forever.

In the darkness I am haunted by the ghosts of what will never be; I hold you tighter to keep the wolves at bay.

In the darkness my thoughts torment me relentlessly; they pick at my flesh and gnaw my weary bones.