the air is still and cool against my skin. i lie here and watch him move through my room.

he picks up the sweater i left on the chair, its sleeves dangling. with careful hands, he folds it into a neat, soft square. he places it on the dresser.

every single one of my worries seems to go with it, tucked away into that perfect shape. my whole body feels loose, my mind quiet.

he turns and his eyes find mine. my entire world is contained in this room, in his steady presence. my adoration for him is a warmth that settles deep in my bones.

she'd always held herself small, expecting the sharp edge.
then he was there.
his voice, a tender murmur, never rose.
his fingers would hover, asking permission without words.
a cup of tea offered with quiet consideration.
these steady currents of care.
the tight coil in her belly slowly unwound.
forgotten muscles remembered how to relax.
her first safe breath after holding it too long.
her guarded heart felt delicate softening from within.
she could simply be, cherished and soft, in his quiet world.