wintumn - their love.

6.

The following days were a whirlwind of emotions for Autumn. The hormonal changes after giving birth hit her hard, and she found herself overwhelmed by feelings she couldn't control. She had always been stoic and reserved, showing her emotions only in private, usually only around Winter. But now, everything was different. One evening, while Winter was in the kitchen preparing dinner, Autumn sat in their bedroom, holding Harlow. She could feel a wave of anxiety rising inside her, and tears began to stream down her face. She tried to calm herself, but the emotions were too strong. She felt desperate and alone, even with Harlow in her arms.

"Winter," she called out, her voice trembling.

Winter rushed in, immediately sensing something was wrong. He sat down beside her, gently taking Harlow from her arms and placing the baby in the crib. He then wrapped his arms around Autumn, pulling her close.

"What's wrong, my love?" Winter asked softly, his concern evident.

"I don't know," Autumn sobbed. "I feel so overwhelmed. I can't control it. I need you. Please don't leave me."

Winter held her tighter, kissing the top of her head. "I'm right here, Autumn. I'm not going anywhere. It's okay to feel this way. You've been through so much."

Autumn clung to him, her tears soaking his shirt. She felt a mixture of embarrassment and relief, embarrassed by her vulnerability but relieved that Winter was there. "I don't want anyone else to see me like this," she whispered. "I hate feeling so out of control."

Winter gently rocked her, his voice soothing. "You don't have to hide anything from me. We'll get through this together. It's okay to lean on me."

As the days went on, Autumn's emotional rollercoaster continued. She had moments of intense crying and anxiety, always seeking Winter's presence to feel grounded. He stayed by her side, offering support and reassurance. He took over many of the household tasks, ensuring that Autumn could focus on recovering and bonding with Harlow. One night, as they lay in bed with Harlow sleeping in a bassinet beside them, Autumn turned to Winter, her eyes red from crying.

 "Thank you for being here," she said quietly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Winter kissed her forehead. "We're a team, Autumn. We'll get through this, just like we always do. You're not alone."

Autumn nodded, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. With Winter by her side, she knew she could face the challenges ahead. She held onto his hand, finding strength in his unwavering support. The hormonal storm inside her was fierce, but with Winter's love and understanding, she knew she would eventually find her balance again. And when she did, she would be stronger for having gone through it, with her family by her side. One evening, after a particularly exhausting day, Autumn found herself alone in their bedroom. Winter had gone out to run a few errands, and the silence of the room felt deafening. Harlow was asleep in her crib, leaving Autumn alone with her thoughts. The emptiness gnawed at her, and she began to feel a profound sense of loneliness. As she sat on the edge of the bed, tears began to well up in her eyes. She missed Winter intensely, his comforting presence, his reassuring touch. The emotions she had been trying to hold back all day came flooding out, and she started to cry, her sobs growing louder with each passing minute. After what felt like an eternity, she heard the front door open and close. Winter was home. Relief washed over her, but the tears kept coming, unchecked and uncontrollable. Winter entered the bedroom, his heart sinking when he saw Autumn in tears. He rushed to her side, wrapping his arms around her tightly.

 "I'm here, Autumn. I'm right here," he whispered, holding her close.

Autumn clung to him desperately, burying her face in his chest. "I missed you so much," she cried. "I hate being away from you. I don't want to be alone."

Winter's grip tightened, his heart aching for her. "I'm so sorry, love. I'm here now. I'll always be here for you."

She continued to cry, her emotions pouring out. "I don't ever want to leave you, Winter. I need you so much. Please don't leave me."

Winter stroked her hair gently, kissing the top of her head. "I'm not going anywhere, Autumn. We're in this together. I promise you, I'll always be by your side."

They stayed like that for a long time, wrapped in each other's arms. Winter's presence slowly calmed Autumn, her sobs turning into quiet sniffles. She felt safe and secure in his embrace, knowing that he was there for her no matter what.

After a while, Winter pulled back slightly to look into her eyes. "You're my everything, Autumn. We'll get through this together, I promise."

Autumn nodded, wiping her tears away. "I'm sorry I'm so emotional. It's just so hard sometimes."

"There's nothing to apologize for," Winter said gently. "You've been through so much, and it's okay to feel this way. I love you, and I'm here for you, always."

Autumn leaned into him again, feeling the steady beat of his heart against her cheek. She knew that with Winter by her side, she could face anything. And in that moment, she felt a sense of peace, knowing she was never truly alone. The night continued, and as they lay in bed, Winter held Autumn close, their hands intertwined. Autumn's breathing slowly evened out as she drifted off to sleep, feeling the warmth of Winter's love surrounding her. Winter watched over her, vowing to always be there, through every challenge and every tear, for the love of his life.