I start to comply with the request, but stop with my hand on the shoe-
He doesn’t look like he’s having the best day himself. I shouldn’t-
…Burden him with mine…
I almost get myself to put the shoe back on but I just-
-Want his presence right now - to be-
We don’t even have to talk or do anything if I can just -
…please…
But that should be his decision, not mine.
I know, but...
“Are…” my voice fails me -
I know - I only want one answer-
Selfish.
“Are you busy right now?”
I.
Love you more.
I promise.
It takes him 0.2 seconds to scan my face like he’s analyzing a time bomb.
“No,” he doesn’t smile, saying it seriously as he closes his laptop with a soft thud, “I just finished.”
The second he puts his laptop to the side he hugs his arms a little frigidly - his posture relaxing into the natural - playful, easygoing - but I still -
Find myself frozen by the door in one soggy shoe wondering-
If he’s just doing it for my sake-
He’s always preferred the quiet when he’s upset but-
He holds his arms out like a little kid waiting to be picked up-
“Come here,” he says shaking his head with a slight, sincere smile, and I walk - collapse into the hug realizing-