The moment the front door opened, Dawn crossed the room in quick strides and threw her arms around Jamal before he could fully step inside. She held him so tight, like she was afraid he might slip away.
Jamal froze for half a second, surprised. Then he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. Her cheek pressed hard against his chest. He could feel her breathing, fast and deep.
She'd been reading and rereading all the letters from him all day, and when she heard his car pull up in front of the house, all she could think about was hugging him.
"Hey," he murmured, his hand sliding up her back. "What's going on? Are you alright?"
She nodded against him. Her arms tightened even more. She didn't speak right away, just held him like that, letting out a slow breath.
"I'm fine," she finally said, her voice soft. "I was just… overwhelmed."
Jamal gently pulled back so he could see her face. "Overwhelmed? What's overwhelming you?"
"My love for you," she said, smiling at him.
