“We already had sex, so what harm would it do to sleep beside me? I want to wake up beside you for the first time. I promise not to take off before you wake up this time.” The tiny slight hint of uncertainty in the usually confident tone makes me hesitate. It’s not expected. He’s genuinely asking with hope. Asking for something entirely abnormal for him.

My face must visibly drop, my insides lurching, and breathing gets laboured at his suggestion as his smile fades and he looks ...