“I’m home!”

Your voice echoed softly through the doorway as you turned the knob, weariness evident in your tone. Yet all the exhaustion melted away the moment you saw Mr. Crawling sitting quietly by the door, his bright eyes lighting up with joy.

“You… you’re home! Home!”

He stammered clumsily in your language, inching forward on all fours. His cold hand gently clasped yours, pressing your warmth against his bloodstained cheek. A radiant smile spread across his lips, a rare flush coloring his face as if your presence alone breathed life into him.

Without hesitation, you wrapped your arms around him, holding him tightly. Your hand instinctively reached up to stroke his head, a tender gesture the two of you cherished more than words could express.

Every sunset, this was the moment he lived for, the moment he longed for through every second apart.

The rest of the evening belonged to him, to the two of you. Though he knew morning would steal you away again, this was enough for him.

As always, the night was a time for closeness. On the small bed that barely accommodated his towering frame, his arms stretched wide to pull you closer. You nestled into his chest, your legs draped over his hips, the intimacy of the moment binding you together.

It was here, and only here, that he could watch you in peaceful slumber, your face serene and angelic in the moonlight.

He carefully took out a small piece of paper, something he had prepared with clumsy but determined hands. He slipped it gently into your palm, hoping you’d notice it come morning.

“I’ll be with you… from dusk till dawn.”

Simple words, yet so full of meaning—his devotion, his longing, his promise.

When the first rays of sunlight filtered through the window, when you stirred and prepared to leave his arms again, would you notice the note?

Would you feel the depth of his love, poured into every crooked line of his handwriting?

"אני אוהב אותך... מהחשיכה ועד אור הבוקר."

“I love you….from dusk till dawn.”