The crisp autumn air snaked through the open window, carrying with it the scent of burning leaves and the distant sound of children playing. Across the room, nestled on the nightstand, lay a small, leather-bound journal. It was Liam's, the one he always guarded so fiercely. Tonight, she had a secret. She knew its contents.
Inside, carefully penned in his familiar handwriting, were stories of her. His secret thoughts, his adoration, the ways her actions, her words, her simple existence, had changed him. She felt buoyant, lighter than air. It felt as if a new world had opened to her, filled with possibility and excitement.
She had always known he loved her, but this…this was different. This was confirmation, a validation of her very being. Reading his words, the world around her seemed sharper, more vibrant.
A sudden sound. Liam returning. She hastily closed the journal, placing it back on the nightstand.
He entered the room, a warm smile on his face. “Hey.”
“Hey,” she replied, fighting to keep her voice even.
He closed the door. “Tired?”
“A little,” she admitted.
He walked over to her, his hand reaching out to caress her cheek. "Me too. But I'm too excited to go to bed." He gave her a hug, and she embraced him in response.