Mariana laughed, snuggling into his shoulder. The smell of his skin, his rapid breathing, the sparkle in his eyes: everything made her feel at peace.

She nodded:

“Let me shower first.”

Ricardo looked like a spoiled child, but he agreed. While she bathed, he put on soft music and made her some orange juice, which he left on the table. Simple details, but to Mariana, they meant everything.

That night, they hugged each other as if they had never been apart. Ricardo whispered sweet nothings to her, and Mariana felt lucky. She knew that many women out there carried the weight of the world alone, but she had a man who cared for her and made her feel loved.