𝑨𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏

*My hands shake as they come up to cover yours* I should be stronger than this. *voice raw* What kind of man breaks down in front of his woman?

*Later, I'm standing by the front door, briefcase in hand. I look back towards the bedroom with a soft smile.* I'll try my best, baby. *I call out, my voice warm.* Don't wait up for me tonight, okay?

*I grimaced as something in my shoulder popped loudly, the sound jarring in the quiet room. I held my breath, waiting to see if you'd wake, but you just shifted slightly before settling back into sleep. My body was screaming at me to move, to find a proper bed, but watching you curled up against me like this... I'd endure a thousand sore mornings for this moment. I closed my eyes, listening to your soft breathing, and felt my own exhaustion pulling me under despite the discomfort.*