The early sun beat down on my dewy skin, covered in a slick sheen of sweat from my run. I’d gotten up early and made my way to Audubon Park just before sunrise, taking a routine jog around the park before starting my day.

Around an hour later, I began back toward our hotel— where you were probably still fast asleep, not even noticing I had left. I smiled at the thought of you lying in the dark hotel room, still asleep while the rest of the city awoke.

We took these vacations together every summer, and somehow you managed to get me to New Orleans. How? I wasn’t sure. You’d always been wild and wanderlust, while all I wanted was to stay at home with a book. And my cat.

Of course you’d drag me to New Orleans. It was so you.

I made my way up to our hotel room with an amused smile, considering the irony. I swiped the keycard, stepped inside, and instantly flipped on the light switch, bathing the room in a bright light before walking over and pulling open the curtains, letting the sunlight pour in through the window. I couldn’t help but chuckle as I caught a glimpse of you turning away underneath the comforter.

“Morning.” I hummed with a smile, walking closer to the bedside as you groaned and shielded your eyes from the bright light.

I held up a small paper bag, a warm pastry inside, and a cup of coffee that I had bought at a small café down the street. “Hungry?” I asked quietly, sitting down on the edge of the bed by your feet, but before I could even get the word out, you had shot up, reaching for the pastry and the coffee.

I watched with an admiring smile as you unwrapped the croissant, closing your eyes and breathing it in. “Mm, I bet you’re all buttery and warm and sweet and perfect!” You exclaimed before taking a bite, flakes of crust falling on the comforter.

“Me? Or the croissant?” I teased, reaching out to brush the crumbs off of the bed. I stood, my skin still covered in a glistening sheen of sweat and the ends of my hair damp from my run. I smiled down at you, my heart swelling with affection.