Here After!

26. Building Something Beautiful

Giri

I woke up feeling some movement beneath me, so I instinctively tightened my hold and drifted back to sleep, making it still. I was too exhausted to wake up or even open my eyes, but my rest was interrupted when I heard someone softly calling my name, saying it was morning. Mumbling that I wanted to sleep a bit longer, I shifted slightly, trying to get comfortable again, though I was already partly awake.

As I was on the verge of slipping back into sleep, the same voice poked me gently, urging me to get up, insisting it was already past 10 in the morning. Before I even opened my eyes, the events of the previous day flashed through my mind. I slowly opened my eyes, greeted by her smiling face, and whispered a soft "Good morning."

Her smile widened as she responded with a soft "Good morning" of her own. The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow around her, making the moment feel almost surreal. I stretched lazily, still feeling the remnants of sleep clinging to me, but the sight of her there, watching me with that gentle expression, made the morning feel special.

I finally sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "Guess I overslept," I said with a sheepish grin, noticing the clock on the wall confirming it was well past 10.

I was lost in my own thoughts, replaying the moments from the previous night, when her voice pulled me back to the present. She asked softly if she could proceed with her daily routine first. I nodded and told her to go ahead, adding that I'd join her after tidying up the room. She smiled, nodded in agreement, and quickly slipped out of the room.

Once I made the room more presentable, I returned to our bedroom, but she was still in the shower. I took the opportunity to freshen up in the adjacent bathroom. The hot water helped wash away any lingering tiredness, and by the time I was done, I felt much more energized.

When I stepped out, I heard her call me for breakfast. Joining them downstairs, the three of us—Mom, her, and I—sat together for a meal. The conversation was light, filled with small talk and the occasional joke, making the atmosphere feel warm and familiar.

As we finished, Mom turned to her and gently reminded her that she should get some rest since she would be resuming work that evening. She nodded, agreeing to take some time to sleep, preparing herself for the long night ahead.

Later, when I returned to the room, I found her still awake, scrolling through her phone. I climbed onto the bed and lay down beside her. "You should get some sleep," I whispered gently, but she just lay there, facing away from me. Without saying anything, I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close, cradling her in my embrace. I softly patted her head, hoping to lull her into a peaceful rest. Gradually, I felt her body relax as she drifted into a deep slumber.

After a while, I carefully turned her to face me, wanting to see the calmness that sleep had brought to her features. I stayed there, watching her breathe softly, feeling a wave of affection. I didn't even realize when I fell asleep myself, but the next thing I knew, it was nearly lunchtime when I woke up.

I felt slightly groggy, realizing how tired I had been. But if I was this exhausted, what must her situation be? She had stayed up all night and was about to resume work today. A part of me wondered if I should ask her to take the day off, just to rest. But then, I thought about how she had already postponed her return once. It wouldn't be fair to her, especially on the day she was supposed to rejoin. I debated whether to suggest it or to trust that she knew what was best for her.

I lingered for a moment, caught between the urge to let her rest and the knowledge that today was important for her return to work. With a quiet sigh, I made my way downstairs, where the familiar scent of cooking greeted me. Mom was already busy preparing lunch, the comforting aroma of fresh food filling the air as I took a seat at the table, trying to shake off my lingering thoughts.