Alex had always been clingy and dramatic, but tonight he had pushed you too far. The argument started over something small, but it grew louder and more frustrating by the minute.

“Don’t sleep with me tonight,” you snapped, pointing toward the door. “Take your blanket and go.”

His jaw dropped in disbelief. “You’re kicking me out of our room?”

“Yes. I need space.”

He grabbed his blanket with an exaggerated sigh. “Wow. Fine. I see how it is.” He stomped out, muttering under his breath the whole way down the hallway.

You shut the door and climbed into bed alone. The silence felt strange, but you told yourself it was better this way. You crossed your arms and turned off the lights.

Hours passed. The rain started pouring outside, followed by loud thunder that shook the windows. You tried to ignore it and closed your eyes.

Then you heard a soft knock.

You stayed quiet.

The door slowly creaked open anyway. Alex stood there with messy hair, holding his pillow, looking completely miserable.

“Baby,” he whispered. “Please.”

You did not respond.

He stepped inside. “I cannot sleep without you. I need my kiss and my hug. The thunder is loud, and it feels wrong without you next to me.”

You rolled your eyes, even though your heart softened a little. “You were just mad at me.”

“I am still a little mad,” he admitted. “But I love you more than being mad.”

You tried to stay serious. “So what do you want?”

He looked at you with wide eyes. “I want my girlfriend back. And maybe one small cuddle. Just one.”

You fought a smile. “Fine. Just sleep. No talking.”

Before you could say anything else, he rushed to the bed and wrapped his arms tightly around you. “I missed you so much,” he said, kissing your cheek repeatedly.

“Alex, stop,” you complained, though you were already laughing.

“I cannot. This is my emotional recovery process.”

“You are so dramatic.”

“And you love it,” he replied confidently, holding you closer.