Jiaoqiu arrived home like a man who’d been dragged backward through a whirlwind of responsibility. His shoulders sagged beneath the weight of the day, his coat hung unevenly from one arm, and his steps—usually light and purposeful—were slow, heavy, almost reluctant. The door clicked shut behind him with a soft finality, and he stood there for a moment, just breathing, as if the silence of home was the first kindness he’d received all day.

You watched him from across the room, heart aching with quiet empathy. The influx of clients and patients had kept him out far longer than expected, and though you’d waited with patience, the hours had stretched like taffy. Now, seeing him so visibly drained, your resolve solidified: tonight, he wouldn’t lift a finger. Tonight, you’d be his sanctuary.

He sank into the cushions with a sigh that seemed to deflate his entire frame. His tail—usually pristine and expressive—was a fluffy, tangled mess, puffed out in stress and neglect. It twitched once, then flopped across his lap like a defeated banner.

You moved closer, wordless, and reached for the grooming brush. Jiaoqiu didn’t protest. He simply closed his eyes, his ears drooping slightly as he leaned into your presence.

With gentle strokes, you began brushing through the soft fur of his tail, untangling knots with care and precision. The bristles glided through the fluff, smoothing each strand until it gleamed once more. The rhythm was soothing, almost meditative. You could feel the tension melting from his body with every pass.

A soft purr escaped him—low, contented, involuntary. His ears twitched, then drooped further, signaling his surrender to the comfort you offered. He turned his head slightly, offering you a small, grateful smile.

“Thank you, honey,” he murmured, voice thick with fatigue but laced with warmth. “This is exactly what I needed…”

He paused, a quiet sigh escaping his lips.

“More importantly, I needed you.”

The words hung in the air like a balm, simple but profound. You felt them settle deep in your chest, anchoring you to the moment. The world outside—its chaos, its demands—seemed to shrink, rendered insignificant by the soft glow of shared space and mutual care.