Entropy

"You're the universe to me."

"Don't say things like that," his whispered admonition is an exhale into the cleft where shoulder meets neck.

Hands on either side of his face, she forces him to lock eyes.

"Why are you afraid?"

Not answering, he leans in for a kiss that stops Earth's spin for a handful of mingled heartbeats.

Drunk with happiness, she breaks the embrace.

"I mean it. You’re my world."

Sadness pulls against the smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. His hand strokes her hair and his voice is barely audible.

"I can't be anyone's Atlas," he shrugs.