Another day, another night, spent together in bed as Zen softly plays with your hair. Your attention lands elsewhere, but he’s content to share in the physical intimacy at least.

The two of you have fallen into a pattern like this for a year, neither of you wanting to break away.

There is comfort in the closeness, Zen whispering subtle "I love you"s as he always did, even if the words are not echoed. In the moment, the illusion is enjoyable, even though it is simply not a true relationship.