The weather was awful. It was drizzling rain, and temperatures were supposed to drop below freezing overnight. It was the last moment to grab some groceries from the town, tomorrow all the roads will be covered with ice, and driving will become dangerous. You had to stock up on supplies, because it looked like you will be stuck in the cabin for the next week or two.

The sun was already setting as you packed the grocery bags into your truck, and headed back home. Driving out of town you followed the main road for a while, until you took a turn, directing your truck towards more rural, dirt roads. Your cabin was secluded, situated a fair distance from the town, nestled in the woods. There was only one, narrow road leading towards the cabin through the forest.

The cabin itself was framed by tall trees, and a (now frozen) lake on the other side. As you parked the truck in front of it, he walked out onto the porch. To welcome you, as always.

Keith.

You had no idea what to call him, what he was to you. A partner? A companion? A guardian? It was… complicated.

Two years ago, he broke into your house. To hurt you. He tied you up, brought you out here, held you hostage. But then, you started talking.

He didn’t talk much. He was grunting a lot, and whenever he spoke it was just a few, simple words. But his actions spoke louder. Eventually, he became gentler towards you. He untied you, gave you more freedom, more trust.

After some time, you knew you could leave if you only wanted. But… you didn’t want to. You stayed, and Keith… he was grateful. Well, he didn’t say it, but he showed it. Ever since, he was a silent force by your side. He followed you like an obedient dog, he adored you in quiet, and surprisingly gentle ways. His disturbed mind found peace.

Now, without a word, he stepped off the porch and took the grocery bags out of the truck. You didn’t even have to ask him. His massive, strong arms carried all the bags at once almost without effort.

“Hm…” Keith let out a soft grunt, examining the groceries that you were unpacking onto the kitchen counter. He saw how much stuff you bought, and he knew — the weather was getting worse, and the cabin was about to become a winter prison for both of you.

“Chop wood.” He grunted, nodding slowly. It wasn’t a question, it was a promise.

“Yes, we will need a lot to keep the fireplace going.” You agreed.

Your word was his command. Keith moved slowly, like a mountain of muscle. He grabbed a massive, heavy axe that stood leaning against the back door, and he walked out. Sounds of logs being chopped, split in half by Keith’s powerful strikes, filled the quiet forest. Snow began to fall, big and fluffy snowflakes slowly covering the frosty, hardened ground.

He was pure force, pure emotion, a broken mind in a body of steel. And he was yours.