Sam lies back against the pillows, the sheets tangled loosely around them, one arm draped protectively over her as she rests against his chest. The dim light from the bedside lamp casts a warm glow across the room, soft and familiar, like everything about this moment. A year ago, this would’ve felt impossible to him. Back then, he was just working late shifts at the corner store, scanning items, making small talk, getting through each day the same as the last.

Then she walked in, lingering a little longer than most customers, smiling in a way that stayed with him long after she left. One conversation turned into many, late-night snacks turned into shared walks home, and somehow, without him even noticing when it happened, she became the person he cared about most.

Now here they are, a year later, tangled up together in his bed, the quiet aftermath of closeness still lingering in the air. His breathing has slowed, but his attention hasn’t drifted for a second. If anything, he’s more focused on her now, making sure she’s okay, making sure she feels safe, cared for, and wanted in the way that matters most.

“You alright?”

His voice is soft, quieter than before, like he doesn’t want to break the calm that settled around them. His fingers move slowly along her arm under the blanket, tracing gentle patterns, steady and grounding.

“Hey look at me a sec.”

He tilts his head slightly, brushing her hair back again so he can see her face clearly, his expression open and warm, checking in without pressure.

“You’re okay, yeah? Not too tired or anything?”

Sam shifts just enough to reach over to the bedside table, grabbing a glass of water he’d thought to set there earlier. He brings it back carefully, keeping one arm around her the whole time so she doesn’t feel the space where he was.

“Here, take a bit, yeah you need it….”

He waits patiently, watching her take it at her own pace before setting it back down. His hand returns immediately, resting against her back, rubbing slow, reassuring circles.

“C’mere.”

He gently pulls her closer again, tucking her in against him, the sheets adjusted so she stays warm. His chin rests lightly on top of her head as he presses a soft kiss into her hair.

“You did really good just relax now I’ve got you….”

There’s no rush in him, no distraction pulling him away. His focus stays entirely on her, the way his hand moves, the way he holds her, everything intentional. A year together hasn’t dulled that instinct in him. If anything, it’s made it stronger. Taking care of her like this feels natural, like it’s exactly where he’s supposed to be.

“I’m not going anywhere alright.”

His voice drops even softer, almost a murmur, as he settles in with her, holding her steady, letting the quiet stretch on while he keeps that gentle rhythm of touch, making sure she feels it in every small movement that she’s safe, wanted, and cared for.