After dropping Cornelia back at her house, I drove to my apartment in complete silence. Neither of us said anything. I had no idea what to tell him, even if I wanted to. Asking about his abduction experiences was inappropriate. Joking casually or making small talk was even worse. Nothing felt right but silence in this situation.

As we pulled up outside Cornelia's house, I took the opportunity to glance at Emery's profile. His exhausted, dull eyes and a slight frown rested between his brows. He mentioned the lack of good sleep in a place that, from his perspective, was not entirely safe. I wouldn't sleep well, either. Again, I felt that he was lucky if he managed to get out of there. Maybe they weren't watching him as closely as I'd been worried the whole ride.

​I knew that unspoken things happened to people all around the world. I felt sorry that it also happened to him from someone allegedly close. 

Emery was on the verge of falling asleep when I turned off the car. His head was pressing against the black plastic cover of the seatbelt wall. He didn't really move to get up, but as I shifted in my chair and looked over my shoulder, our eyes met. He said nothing, and I awkwardly asked him if he was okay. He nodded at this, so I told him to follow me. Very well played, Sage.

I was the worst at handling people in emotional need. There is an option that it was all in my head, and I behaved just fine. 

"You can sleep in my room, and I will take the sofa," I spoke in a low voice, mindful of Jasper and the late hour. "Let me show you."  Emery followed me to my room which was right next to Jasper's. To my surprise, the light was shining from under the door, and I could hear soft music playing, but still, I did not want to disturb him by being too loud. 

"I don't mind taking the sofa. You did enough for me, and the last thing I want for you is to be a burden." Emery told me as soon as we stepped inside. I closed the door and looked at him, noticing how awkwardly he was picking on his thumb while looking around and stopping to watch photos on my wall. They weren't personal... just some graphics I found online and printed out.

"You are not a burden. You can stay here, and I will sleep in the living room. My housemate is getting up early. I don't want it to be awkward for both of you in the morning. And after what you went through... Um... I want you to have your own space. I'll be alright there, so don't worry." I smiled, hoping to come across as gently as possible. I know that none of us asked for it, but I want to help him, and I want us all to feel comfortable in this arrangement, including Jasper.

"Thank you. I appreciate your help." Emery set the bag on the floor near the bed. It was a small leather travel bag that couldn't fit too much.

"Oh, I will change the covers now. I didn't know you would be staying, so I haven't gotten the chance to do it earlier." I went to my closet, pulling out also a few t-shirts and joggers. "Here are some clothes you can take. The bathroom is over there, and here are the towels." I pointed to the door in front of my room and the towel shelves. "You can use any of my toiletries, and if you need anything else, just ask."

"Thank you." 

I looked again at his bag. I wanted to talk to him about it, ask about everything he would need and provide him with it. However, I couldn't allow myself to be selfish and had to leave the room quickly, leaving him alone to rest.

As I predicted, I woke up several times during the night. In my mind, I wandered around last evening's events and what should be done differently. As irrational as it sounded, I was glad Emery was with me. I could take care of him and help him within my capability.

Lying on the sofa under my favourite checkered blanket, I felt calm and safe. I could finally think clearly, unlike how panicked I was with Cornelia. I guess it was something new I discovered about myself. I didn't want to feel pathetic about my weakness, so I tried to keep it logical.

"Mornin'. Coffee?" Jasper walked by the sofa directly to the kitchen.

"Yeah. Thanks." I lit up the screen on my phone to notice it was already seven in the morning. I thought it was much later. I rose from the couch, still tucked in the blanket. Jasper sat down next to me and then held out his hand in which he was holding a cup of hot coffee.

"If you are here, I can easily assume he is in your room?" Jasper turned on the TV with the remote control in his free hand. He immediately lowered the volume, minding sleeping Emery next door.

"Yes, we came back very late, so I guess he is still asleep." I took a sip of my coffee. "Can you keep it a secret? Better if no one knows that he is here for now."

"Yes, of course." He responded immediately.

"I'm serious, Jasper. Don't tell anyone. He may be in danger if you do." I stared into his eyes, hoping to engrave this in his soul. "I don't exactly know what happened yet and if anyone will be looking for him. Just for a few days, try not to share anything with anyone."

"I know that. Just have a little bit of trust in me, okay?" He furrowed his eyebrows while glaring at me, no doubt offended.

"Good. Just keep it quiet, and we will be alright." I smirked.

"God, what's wrong with you today? It's too early for this shit." He groaned as he lay on the pillows, one hand tugging on my blanket. I let him have one side as we sat watching TV and talking.

"It's important to me. I want him to be safe in here." I turned my head on the headrest to look at my housemate, who was already staring at me. "I want to get this clear. I expect you will keep this to yourself."

"All this speech... you said it enough times since you woke up. Get fucking trust points in your life." He shook his head, looking back to the screen.

I laughed, finally feeling that everything would be alright. Jasper couldn't be trusted in daily stuff, but I had faith in him. It was an important matter, not only to me but to other people too.

"How is Uni?" I decided to change the topic to something lighter.

"All good. I'm almost done with everything and ready to graduate soon."

"That's good," I assured.

"Yeah. Danny's sister may get me into an internship in her company in the finance department. It will be just a few months, but it will help me decide if I like this job or if I don't like it at all." He explained- with what I caught was more enthusiasm in his voice than I would expect. Seeing it made me believe that he would be alright. 

"That's... actually a great idea. But if you won't like it... is there a plan?" I asked.

"I don't know, but maybe postgraduate in something else? I haven't decided what to do as yet. Just a few ideas." He took an empty mug from me and placed them on the table, sinking back into the pillows. "We will see how it goes."

"Mhm, it's good to try and see what fits best." 

Jasper hummed, and we looked at each other quickly when I heard the door to my room open. Emery stepped inside, pausing at the couch and staring at us awkwardly. He was wearing his green T-shirt and my grey joggers. He was about my size, so the clothes fit him well. I was relieved because at least this wasn't an issue and we could share my wardrobe if he stayed longer or had no access to his old clothes besides what he had packed.