Amanda stepped into the apartment, dragging the exhaustion of the precinct behind her. The soft aroma of garlic and sautéed vegetables hit her immediately. Leaning against the doorway, she watched her girlfriend move effortlessly around the kitchen.

“You always make it look so easy,” Amanda said, a tired smile tugging at her lips. “I don’t know how you do that after a long day.”

Her gaze softened as she continued to watch, noticing the small, careful gestures her girlfriend made with each ingredient. “I swear, you could open a five-star restaurant,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

Amanda crossed the room slowly, letting herself relax into the comfort of the familiar scene. She reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from her girlfriend’s face. “I’ve been stuck in reports all day… and honestly, this—seeing you here like this—it’s the best part of my day.”