Early in the morning, the gentle chorus of birds outside the balcony stirred Amelie from sleep. She blinked slowly, adjusting to the soft light, and realized Gabriel's head rested on the same pillow as hers.
Last night, she had waited for him until exhaustion claimed her. Now, her fingers brushed lightly across his cheek. Her touch was careful as if afraid to disturb him.
'How much are you doing for us?' she thought. 'I still feel like I'm only a burden… leaving everything for you to bear. I want to protect you too, the way you protect me. I just wonder when that day will come.'
Leaning closer, she pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, lingering there for a second before pulling back to study his face. Even in sleep, his presence radiated warmth and protection.
Quietly, she shifted, propping herself on her elbows before easing her feet to the floor. One hand rested instinctively on her rounded belly as she rose and made her way toward the washroom.
