A marked affair

followed were

d with how her body responded to the medications, and she no longer look

arm around their shoulders and whisp

anks t

here, yet nev

d for her mother's medication before she even remembered the dates. Sometimes, he would leave fresh groceries o

ah ador

as she carefully measured her mornin

and nod. But deep inside, sh

she was

her still holding on. Watching. Protecting. A part molded by the kind of life she

r made her fe

ed. He

about the future, though it wa

while they were alone in Eden's car just out

ad become familiar now, even comforting. But

stiff

iately, sensing

, pulling back slightly. "D

She stared out the window fo

teady. "And I like you. More than I expecte

ving her his

th anyone," she said q

that made her feel ashamed. He didn't laugh

ait," she added.

hem like a warm blanke

reached out, brushing a stra

ling me," he said.

upset?" she a

I respect you. All of you. And

rt softene

ce firmer now. "And if I'm lucky enough, m

king her head. "Y

d. "Only

sounds of the quiet street. No pressure. No expectations. Just warmth,

quiet persistence

ognition among her lecturers and even a scholarship that eased some pressure off Eden's shoulders, at this time Eden was also done with schoo

face, things weren'

tful texts between her classes, and showed up at the house with groceries and surprises. But t

strug

tionally even. But phys

, and desired... but couldn't touch beyond certa

and they were curled up on the couch watching a movie. Eden's arm was around her shoulder, her head restin

meaning anything by it but her innocence, her

is eyes for a

red, his voice ti

p at him, her eyes

ying to tame for months now. He wanted her more than anything. Not just her body, but a

ld... maybe not stay l

"Did I do som

ighed and sat up straighter. "I guess I'm just tryi

her. She bit her lower l

't mean to make you unco

me crazy in the best and hardest way. I knew what I was signing up for, and I meant it when

little not from gu

my boundaries all this while," sh

retching between them one filled with under

k her hand, pressing a

again. "Even if it's

t don't die befo

magic. No matter how heavy things got, Iri

her things his work, gym sessions, late-night walks. Iris learned to be more intentional wit

easier. Other

ushy, romantic kind, but the quiet, stubborn kind

ptations and compromises,

as t