Did you sleep well? [Intermission chapter]

The birds begin to chirp, and I begin to stir. I look down and see Ann’s head still there on my chest. We must have both slept comfortably, because we didn’t move an inch.

Unlike myself, she’s still fast asleep, the only movement she makes being the slow rising and falling of her breath. Her face is a sight I find myself completely lost in, the very picture of beauty itself. She looks so at peace with the world.

She’s still working herself half to death, but the stress that once dominated her seems to have mostly alleviated. I’d like to hope my own efforts are partially responsible for that; if I can make her feel even the slightest bit better, it’s time we’ll spent.

“Mmm… good morning.”

Finally, the steadily loudening chirps of the birds outside wake Ann from her peaceful sleep. She looks up at me as she speaks, and smiles a smile I’d like to imprint into my brain forever. Even upon first waking up, she’s so beautiful I can’t take my eyes off her.

Fuck, I really am smitten, aren’t I?

“Good morning, Ann. Did you sleep well?”
“Better than I have in recent memory.”
“Me too. We should always sleep like this from now on.”
“It would be my pleasure.” she says, as she nestles her head back into my chest, still looking up at me.

As we sink into silence, we simply look into one another’s eyes, a smile upon both of our faces.

No blushing, no bashfulness, no suddenly looking away awkwardly. Just a simple moment of perfect calm, complete comfort in one another’s company.

Even if neither of us said the words, we both know how the other feels. It’s hard to say what we are at the moment, but I don’t care. I don’t need a label to know.

I love Ann. With every fibre of my body. With every ounce of my existence. With every inch of my soul. I love her.