Morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. I stirred beneath the blanket, the faint scent of Michael still lingering like a protective shield around me. For the first time in these past weeks, my sleep had been uninterrupted—peaceful.
As I slowly opened my eyes, I noticed Michael sitting quietly on the edge of the bed, a tray balanced carefully on his knees. The tray held a simple but inviting breakfast: pancakes stacked high, topped with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of syrup, alongside a small glass of milk.
He looked up and smiled warmly when our eyes met. "Good morning, Angelica," he said softly.
"Good morning," I replied, my voice hoarse but steady.
He set the tray gently on the bed between us. "I thought you might like this to start the day."
As I fully awoke, a sudden thought struck me—Michael might've been here for quite some time. I glanced up, meeting his calm gaze. "How long have you been sitting here?" I asked, a flush rising to my cheeks.
Michael smirked mischievously. "Long enough to hear your snore... loud enough to wake the entire neighborhood, actually."
I rolled my eyes and gave his arm a playful jab. "Oh, you're kidding."
He laughed softly, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "Yes, yes, I'm kidding! No snoring at all. Just the peaceful, angelic kind of sleep."
I smiled, letting my fingers brush lightly against his hand. "Good to know I'm not keeping you awake."
He intertwined his fingers with mine, his touch lingering as if reluctant to let go. "Watching over you? Best part of my morning."
A shy smile crept onto my lips. "You always know how to make me feel safe."
He leaned in slightly, voice dropping to an intimate whisper. "Because you are safe. With me."
Our eyes locked, moments stretching between us with a silent promise. The playful teasing had given way to something softer, something far more tender—and I realized how deeply I was beginning to trust him, not just with my heart, but with all the fragile parts of me.
The sweet aroma of the pancakes mingled with the lingering scent of his presence, wrapping me in a comforting embrace. I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. "Thank you, Michael. This means a lot."
He shrugged, a hint of playful pride in his smile. "Just trying to be a good suitor."
I chuckled softly, squeezing his hand. "You're doing better than that, mister."
He shifted closer, still sitting on the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling?"
I took a slow breath, letting the promise of this gentle morning seep into my bones. "Better. Less scared. Like I'm not alone."
His hand found mine again, fingers entwining. "You're never alone—not while I'm here."
We shared a quiet moment, the soft light and the simple breakfast grounding me in something real and hopeful.
"Ready to eat?" he asked, lifting a pancake with his fork.
I smiled, leaning in slightly. "Ready."
The morning moved gently forward, the warmth of breakfast lingering as we finished the last bites. Feeling stronger with each passing minute, I glanced at Michael and smiled. "How about we go to our favorite spot today? A picnic sounds perfect."
His eyes brightened with that familiar spark. "I thought you'd never ask."
We packed a simple basket together—sandwiches, fresh fruit, a little cake from the bakery, and a bottle of cold juice. The sun was bright but gentle, and a light breeze teased the leaves outside as we stepped out, hand in hand.
The walk to the park was quiet but comfortable, filled with the kind of unspoken understanding that needs no words. When we arrived, the familiar clearing beneath the sprawling old oak tree greeted us like an old friend. The grass was soft and inviting, dappled in sunlight and shade.
Michael spread out the blanket with practiced ease. "Home sweet home," he said with a grin.
I laughed softly, settling down beside him. "It still feels special every time."
We ate slowly, savoring not just the food but the moments—laughter, gentle teasing, and quiet stories shared between bites. Michael reached for my hand across the blanket. "I'm really glad you're here."
"Me too," I said honestly, squeezing his fingers.
After the meal, we leaned back to watch fluffy clouds drift across the sky, talking about dreams and hopes in whispers.
"I can't wait for us to graduate," I said softly. "Finally moving beyond all this... all the pain."
Michael nodded, his fingers gently tracing patterns on my hand. "And after that... maybe then you'd say yes. You know, officially. Be my girlfriend?"
My heart fluttered but my voice turned gentle, tinged with vulnerability. "That day will come, I know. You're already a part of me... but I can't give you that answer yet—not when I'm still such a mess, still feeling like I don't deserve your love. I want to give you the best version of me. So… please wait for me until then."
He looked at me, understanding and warmth filling his eyes. "I can wait. No matter how long it takes."
He grinned, eyes shining. "Because I've pictured us already—a little family, two cute kids running around, maybe a couple of lazy cats lounging in the sun."
I laughed, leaning closer. "A house on an island, where it's just us and the ocean. No worries but the sound of waves and the warmth of the sun."
"Exactly that," he whispered, his breath warm on my cheek. "A place where we're free, happy… together."
I closed my eyes, letting that vision wrap around me like a warm cloak. "I want that future," I murmured. "With you."
Michael's hand squeezed mine gently, his voice steady and full of promise. "And I'll work every day to make it real."
The world felt lighter, as if the weight I'd carried had lifted just enough to let me breathe freely again.
As the afternoon sun began to dip, Michael looked at me with warmth in his eyes. "Thank you for trusting me."
I smiled, resting my head on his shoulder. "With you, I feel safe."
And in that quiet space beneath the oak tree, surrounded by the softness of nature and each other.
The golden light of the setting sun filtered through the branches, painting our little world in hues of amber and rose. The gentle rustling of leaves above created a peaceful melody, one that seemed to harmonize perfectly with the calm beating of my heart.
Michael tightened his hold on my hand, his thumb tracing slow, soothing circles against my skin. "I'm really....reaaaally glad we have this moment," he said softly. "A day just for us, away from everything."
I nodded, nuzzling closer. "It's like a breath of fresh air for my soul."
He glanced down at me, eyes shining with quiet affection. "You deserve every ounce of happiness, Angelica. And I'll keep reminding you of that, even on the days you forget."
"You always know just what to say," I whispered, a shy smile tugging at my lips.
Silence settled comfortably between us as we lay back on the blanket, watching the sky slowly shift into twilight. The first stars began to twinkle faintly overhead, tiny sparks of light promising hope and endless possibilities.
"I know things aren't easy right now," Michael murmured, his voice barely louder than the whispering breeze. "But I believe in you."
My heart swelled with the weight of his faith, and for a moment, the fear that had clung to me began to loosen its grip.
"I want to be stronger," I said quietly. "For my loved ones.... for myself… for you."
He turned to fully face me, his gaze steady. "You already are. Stronger than you realize."
I felt tears brimming, but they were tears of relief, not pain. Leaning into him, I allowed myself to let go of the burdens I'd carried for so long.
"We'll take it one step at a time," Michael promised. "And no matter what happens, I'll be right here."
I closed my eyes, letting the gentle comfort of his words envelop me like a warm embrace. In that moment, beneath the vast sky and the tree, I found a quiet courage beginning to bloom within.
Whatever the future held, I wasn't alone anymore. And somehow, that made all the difference.