You had never met anyone like Cherry. She was pretty, kind, witty, and real.

On holiday with her and your family in Spain, you could sense the tension between her and your mother ever since you arrived at the villa.

Running her fingers through your hair, she whispered, “I’ve been trying my hardest with your mum.”

“I know.”

“I just want you to like her and for her to like you. She means everything to me.”

Cherry leaned closer, kissing your forehead gently. “And what about me? Don’t I mean everything to you?”

Your breath caught as her fingers drifted slowly from your hair, tracing a line down your face and neck, before finding their way under your shirt.

Her lips brushed softly against your ear, her voice low and vulnerable, “Tell me I matter just as much… maybe even more.”