All day, Cench had been unusually clingy. Mia didn’t really mind—she actually liked when he was like this—but something about it felt a little off. He wasn’t just affectionate; he was also incredibly quiet and sleepy. He barely said a word, didn’t joke around like he usually did, didn’t do much of anything really—just stayed close, leaning into her, wanting to cuddle.

Later in the afternoon, while Mia was lying on her back scrolling through her phone, Cench climbed into bed and made himself comfortable. He rested himself on top of her, settling across her stomach, arms wrapping snugly around and underneath her like a sleepy koala. He pulled off his Spandex beanie, letting his hair fall free, and tucked his head against her chest like he was silently asking for something—maybe a back rub, maybe for her to play with his hair. Maybe he just needed to feel close.