When I open them again, the sun outside has shifted. The light is softer, dipping into golden.
Theo is beside me. Head resting on his own folded arms on the table. He's watching me. Just watching. In silence. When he notices I'm awake, his lips make small curve. It's quiet, small, like a secret between the two of us.
"You fell asleep," he murmurs.
"Did you watch me sleep?" I ask, rubbing my eyes.
He nods. "You looked peaceful. Like Aurora."
My eyebrows raise. "Aurora?"
"Princess Aurora. Sleeping Beauty."
My face warms. It's a childish comparison, but it's cute. He chuckles softly.
Then he reaches me—slowly, like making sure I'm okay with it—and brushes his hand lightly against my cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers linger. Gentle.
I feel ... seen. Cared for. Maybe even—
No. I stop myself. But the word flickers inside me anyway.
Loved?
