MUTUAL FIXATION || WINRINA

EPILOGUE

Winter's Point of View

The first light of dawn painted across the room, and I knew another day had arrived.

I roused from sleep to find myself greeted by the fresh breeze that was crisp with the smell of the ocean and at the same time fresh from the outside.

Turning sideways, my eyes met Karina. Her serene figure was bathed in the soft light coming through the window.

A tender smile etched my lips as I looked at her, lost in the serenity of her sleeping form, with a small smile playing on her slightly parted lips.

I drew closer and gently kissed her forehead before rising from the bed; the warmth of our shared space still in the air.

I left our bedroom, perhaps embracing the comfort of routine that mornings offer, and followed the familiar pathway into the bathroom. After completing my ablutions, I made my way into the kitchen with a new day stretching out before me.

It had been two months since Karina and I left Manila to seek solace in my mother's province. The news of Karina's mother's arrest reached us as a bittersweet reminder of the past that we had left behind.

We had spoken our truth to one another, bared our history to one another, and loved the life that had grown between us. That obsession had blossomed into a deep and real love, nourished by mutual understanding and acceptance.

By embracing the darkness of our past, we pledged to forge on into a much brighter future together.

The memory of the recent contact from my father lingered in my mind, reminding me of forgiveness and healing. As I went about preparing Karina's favorite breakfast—the familiar routine grounding me—a feeling of contentment settled within.

I donned an apron and hummed a tune while slicing the hotdogs, a feeling of peace settling over me. An embrace wrapped around my waist, a silent greeting that spoke volumes.

"Good morning," I said cheerfully, laying my work aside to turn toward her with a dancing smile in my eyes.

Her bleary eyes met mine, and there was the slightest amount of playfulness about her as she snuggled closer, seeking comfort in my embrace.

"Still sleepy?" I teased, placing a light kiss against her lips.

Pouting playfully, she did an endearing little nuzzle into the crook of my neck, a comforting bundle of warmth.

"I missed waking up at your side," she murmured, her voice so soft with affection.

I couldn't help but chuckle over that sweet gesture. I wrapped my arms around her and did her in a tender embrace where reassurance and love met in the quiet of the morning.

"I'm making your favorite breakfast, my love," I whispered and pressed my lips softly on top of her head before us, a promise of a new day unfolding.

As she lifted her head, planting a gentle kiss on my lips before turning and disappearing into the bathroom, waves of affection crashed upon me, punctuated by a soft chuckle at her endearing gesture.

She never failed to charm me with her sweetness, and the thought of her stayed with me as I kept myself busy preparing her favorite breakfast: a sunny-side-up egg, sizzling hotdogs, ham, and fragrant fried rice.

Carefully and purposefully, I prepared a glass of milk for her and a steaming cup of coffee for myself. The table was set with two plates and utensils in expectation of our meal.

I gently knocked on the bathroom door and then, after her morning routine was complete and she opened the door.

I announced, "Breakfast is served, my love."

"I'll just fixed this." She muttered.

Drawing her into a warm embrace from behind, I murmured, "Take your time, I'll be here," content to watch her as she readied herself for the day ahead.

We then went to the dining area together, relishing a very simple moment of quiet breakfast, just the way Karina liked—no noise around food. She insisted on doing the dishes by herself, so I went into our bedroom to neaten up our shared space.

"Love, let's have a walk," she said on entering the room, and this invitation I accepted by smiling and nodding my head.

We sallied forth, hand in hand, out of doors, and were cordially saluted by all our neighbors, as we walked on toward the seashore, whose beauty lured by calm ocean.

"I love our life here," she said, as we sat on the sand; then there was quiet, an envelope of peace around us.

I matched her sentiment: "I do, too. I don't think I've ever imagined it could be this good."

Her eyes locked onto mine, swimming with emotion as she spoke out her confession: "I'd never really imagined serenity to be so—smashing—when the heart had been such a fortress. Yet here we are, living a beautiful life."

The unpredictability of life hung in the air—a shared acknowledgement to its twists and turns. She burrowed into my shoulder, and I pressed a gentle kiss to the crown of her head—a silent vow of love and gratitude in this little slice of heaven we called our life.

"Thank you for being my anchor," she whispered softly, her voice filled with appreciation. "You are my haven in this mad world," she again said, with the words ringing sincere.

She cradled her delicate cheeks in mine, holding my gaze with a silent promise in mine.

"You deserve the universe and more, my love," I murmured as her tears streamed down. I gently wiped them out with my fingers, then pressed a soft kiss on her eyes.

"You have me, always," I said assuredly. "I will be with you through thick and thin. You are everything to me, Karina."

She flung her arms around me, overcome by emotion, seeking solace in the warmth of our bonding. I held her close to me as we stood there wordlessly, making a promise for the rest of eternity in that embrace.

"I love you more than words can tell, Win," she whispered sweetly in cadence, full of contentment, love, and happiness.

A smile brushed my lips. "And my love for you knows no bounds, Karina," I returned, the depth of my emotions resounding within my words.

My love has no bounds for you, Karina.

I promise you that at every moment of your life, you will be happy and feel blessed with my love. I'll protect you, safe in my arms.

Today, with the sea witnessing, I solemnly pledge to love you until eternity itself. Heaven cannot limit our love; it shall transcend through lifetimes.

I promise to seek you in every lifetime, to find you in every version of our souls.

This is how much I love you.

This is how much faith I have in what's to come for us.

In this ruthless and merciless world, I shall be your haven. I am to be that very escape from reality you so long for; ready to set out on a journey with you to flee the roughness of our surroundings.

END.