The room is quiet and peaceful now, just the sound of his breathing and the clink of the fork against the food box.

I am curled into his side, my head resting peacefully on his shoulder, careful of the bandages wrapped around him.

The warmth of his body slowly sinks into mine, and for the first time in so long, my mind is quiet, relaxed, peaceful.

He takes a slow bite of the beef stew and heaves a long breath.

“Fuck, I’ve missed this,” he groans, his voice rough.

I lift ...