When you love me

Control

Ryan holds my hand as we walk along the sand, the waves crashing gently beside us. The full moon illuminates the sand, creating a magical and almost unreal setting. I feel a knot in my stomach, a mixture of anxiety and fear, and I try to focus on the moment instead of letting my worries dominate my thoughts.

— We are almost there. — Ryan says, squeezing my hand tighter. 

He leads me along a narrow trail between some rocks, and when we reach the other side, I see a small hidden nook, with a makeshift fire pit and blankets spread out on the sand. The place is perfect, as if it came out of a dream.

— Wow, Ryan... that's amazing. — I murmur, looking around, impressed by the effort he put into creating this environment.

He smiles, looking relieved by my reaction.

— I want you to feel special, Jennie. I want you to know how much you mean to me.

We sit by the campfire, and Ryan lights the fire, which quickly turns into a welcoming flame. The warmth is comforting, but my mind is still a little restless. Sarah's presence, and all the uncertainties about the future cross my mind.

Ryan seems to notice my uneasiness. He comes closer, putting an arm around my shoulders.

—What are you worrying about? — he asks softly, his gray-green eyes fixed on mine.

I sigh, trying to find the right words for a moment like this.

— I... I'm afraid, Ryan. Fear that all this will end before it barely begins. I'm living the best days of my life in a long time. — I say, with my gaze down and my voice choked.

He pulls me closer, his lips touching my forehead in a gesture of comfort.

— Jen, I'm here. And I don't plan on going anywhere. I know there are a lot of things going on right now, but I want you to know that I am committed to you.

His words ease some of the weight in my chest.

— And Sarah? I ask, trying to hide the insecurity in my voice.

Ryan shakes his head, his eyes full of determination.

— Sarah is in the past, I already told you. You need to trust me, and also trust us.

I nod, feeling tears threatening to fall.

— I am going to try. — I say, taking a deep breath and feeling the cold wind touch my cheeks.

He smiles, that smile that always makes my heart hammer in my chest.

— So let's make it work, together.

We lean in for a soft kiss, and for a moment, all my worries melt away. The world seems simpler, brighter, when I'm with Ryan.

— I have one more surprise for you. - it says.

He gets up and then helps me to stay upright. He holds my hand and guides me. We follow a stone trail that takes us to a small corner hidden behind some rocks. When we get there, I see a makeshift white screen hanging between two trees, and a projector positioned on a small wooden table. Pillows and blankets are scattered across the floor.

— That's so... — I can't even finish the sentence, I'm so surprised.

— You mentioned that you liked movies, and I wrote down all your favorites. — he says — Which one would you like to watch?

— Did you catch all my favorite movies?

— That's right.

— How... Did you do all this alone?