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CHAPTER 28
Julian
SHADOW PUPPETS 
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       I CLOSE ANNIE’S DOOR FOR HER after she walks inside. I lean against the door with my arms folded against my chest as I watch her pull her blankets and pillows off and toss them on the floor. She takes two of her comforters and lays them on the floor. “Annie… what are you doing?” I ask, a little curious as to what she was making.
       “Making a tent.” She says, not taking her eyes off the blanket covered floor.
      “Why?” I ask, moving away from the door and near her.
      “Because I don't want to sleep in my bed. Plus, it would be fun, me and Ginny used to make tents all the time when we were kids.” She explains.
     “Oh.” Was all I could say. I stay in silence for a few minutes just watching as Annie makes the tent. “Can you help me with the top? I can’t reach.” Annie asks, pointing to the top. I laugh at her commnet and walk around to her. I help pull the top up while Annie organizes the pillows inside. Once we finish with the tent, Annie runs out of the room for a minute and comes back with a pair of flashlights, one for me, and one for her.
       “You can come in now.” Annie says, as she pokes her head out from inside of the tent. I crawl inside and smile. “This is very cool, Annie.” I say, starstruck.
       “Told you I was a pro.” She laughs and pulls some of the blankets over our legs. I stop Annie’s hands from fixing the blankets. “Wait! What about the lights?” I ask, realizing that they’re still off.
       “Leave them off. That’s why I brought the flashlights.” Annie says, waving the flashlights.

<>Here With Me by; Susie Suh ft. Robot Koch

        Annie and I lay on our backs while waving our flashlights around at the top of the tent, and sometimes we made shadow puppets, I couldn’t help but smile every time I heard Annie’s giggle.
        I turn my flashlight off and turn towards Annie, she still has her flashlight on so I can see the light shining off her beautiful face. “What?”She asks.
        I say nothing and turn myself so I’m resting on my elbow, I cup her right cheek with my left hand, lean forward and press a soft kiss to her lips. I pull back and look at her, caressing her cheek gently. “Have I ever told you how much I love you?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
       “Maybe once or twice.” Annie says, innocently, and we both laugh.
      “Well it’s the truth. I love you Annie Grace, so bloody much.” I whisper.
      “I love you too, Julian Lensherr.” She chuckles softly. We share one final kiss before we fall asleep, with her head resting on my chest.