She woke up to the sound of raindrops hitting the window. She slowly opened her eyes to find herself in the arms of her husband, Tomioka, who was sleeping soundly, his arm wrapped around her waist as if afraid she might drift away. She looked at him silently, contemplating his calm features, wondering how someone could be so strong while awake and so calm while asleep.

She tried to move, but felt his hand gently pull hers, and his hoarse voice whisper: — "To where?"

She smiled despite herself and answered sleepily: — "I'm going to get up to make coffee."

But he pulled her closer, and she found herself lying on his chest, where she could feel his steady heartbeat. He whispered close to her ear: — "Not until I celebrate my morning with you."

She felt the warmth of his words touch her heart. Despite all the petty disagreements, and despite all the days that passed between them in silence or argument, there was one thing that never changed... the feeling of safety in his arms.

— "So, what do you want to do to celebrate?" she asked slyly.

He smiled as he lifted a strand of her hair and whispered, — "I just want to stay like this, with the wife I love more than you know."

She felt something resembling happiness creep into her heart. Marriage may not have always been easy, but it was full of moments worth living.