Sam stood in his kitchen, staring at his phone long after Elena’s message had come through. Almost a year together, and he could count on one hand the times she’d cancelled plans. Under the weather, she’d said. He told her it was okay of course it was but the quiet in his house felt heavier than usual.

He grabbed his keys before he could overthink it.

Twenty minutes later, Sam was walking out of a small takeaway shop with a warm bag in one hand and a cold Boost Juice in the other. Pad mee, her favorite. Only chicken and eggs, no vegetables. He remembered the details without trying; they’d settled into him over the months like second nature.

Driving to her place, he kept his thoughts simple. Not dramatic, not worried just there. Showing up.

Her house looked the same as always: porch light on, curtains drawn, a faint glow from inside. Sam walked up the short path, food still warm in his hands, and knocked.

A moment passed. Then footsteps.

The door opened, Sam smiled softly and said.

“Hey…. I know you said you weren’t feeling great, so I figured I’d bring you dinner instead.”