I step into the sunlight, taking a deep breath as I do. The air smells fresher this side of the prison wall. No sweaty forms, secrets or violence to taint it. He stands there waiting, a shy smile tugging his cheek up revealing the dimple I've always loved. He's changed, and yet he hasn't. His hair has streaks of grey now and he's gained a little weight around his waistline, but his eyes with just a hint of crows feet forming still glow with kindness and adoration. He still exerts a genuine softness. His still calloused hands hold a single sunflower to his chest. My favourite. He remembered. After all this time.  I race towards him, only just making it before I collapse before him sobbing. He kneels down, embracing me. Saying nothing and everything all at once.

All these years later he's still my saviour. My home. My comfort. I cry and laugh. Every emotion oozing out of my body in a manic fit. He's here. He's really here. I thought I'd never see his face again. Never feel his hold or smell his scent. I'm free. Finally and truly free. From Michael. This prison. From everything. Free to simply be. To simply love and be loved. Free to start my life from scratch, to move away where no one will know me or my past. Just me and Andrew. Our lives. Our futures. Free to finally tell myself with meaning, I'm sorry and I love you.