ONE SHOTS MARINA (ENGLISH)

3. Demonstrations of love

P.O.V MAYA BISHOP

I walked into the house feeling the weight of yet another shift slowly slipping off my shoulders. It was as if with every step I took inside our home, the chaos and adrenaline were left behind, replaced by a serenity that only familiar surroundings could provide. Home was calm, enveloped in an almost comforting tranquillity, and I knew this had everything to do with Carina.

The delicious aroma of Italian food wafted through the living room, leading me straight into the kitchen. There, leaning on the counter, she was, concentrating on her cooking. The sight of her, dressed in an apron that showed off her natural charm, made me stop for a moment, simply watching her. There was something deeply relaxing about seeing her like this, so at ease, preparing our lunch with such care.

- Ciao, amore mio - she said, without even needing to look at me to know I was there. The tone of her voice, soft and full of affection, immediately warmed my heart.

- Ciao, bella - I replied, slowly approaching her. I placed the keys on a nearby table and leaned over to give her a light kiss on the shoulder, enjoying the warmth of her skin against my lips.

Carina turned slightly, offering me a warm smile before returning her focus to the sauce she was stirring in a large pan. The aroma of fresh tomatoes, basil and garlic intensified, filling the kitchen with an irresistible scent that made me realise how hungry I was.

- How was your shift? - she asked, her voice gentle, but with an underlying note of concern. She was always asking, always worrying, and that was something I loved deeply about her.

- Intense, but nothing out of the ordinary - I replied, sighing and leaning against the counter next to her.

Carina nodded, her eyes still on the sauce as she stirred slowly. I could see that, even with the tranquillity she exuded, she was still worried. Not just for me, but for everything this meant for us, for our family.

- I'm glad - she said softly, finally looking at me. Her dark eyes, always so expressive, reflected a mixture of relief and love - I've prepared something special today. I thought you might like a home-cooked lunch.

I smiled, feeling incredibly lucky to have someone like this woman in my life.

- You know me so well - I murmured, leaning in to steal a quick but sweet kiss.

She laughed lightly, a sound that always managed to improve my mood, and went back to concentrating on her food. I stepped back to take a look at the table, already set to perfection. The sight made me realise how much I longed for moments like this - simple, but so full of meaning.

- Is Liam still asleep? - I asked, glancing at the baby monitor on the counter, where I could see a real-time image of our little angel resting in his cot.

- Yes - Carina replied, with a soft smile as she looked at the screen too - He woke up at 10am and went back to sleep. I think he's finally adjusting to his new routine.

I nodded, feeling a wave of relief. He was a quiet baby, but like any mum, I always had a constant concern for his well-being. Knowing that he was sleeping well, adjusting, gave me a peace of mind that was priceless.

- That's great. He deserves all the rest in the world - I commented, before approaching my wife again - Me too.

She laughed, and I could see a mischievous glint in her eyes.

- And you're going to rest. But first, let's enjoy this delicious lunch I'm preparing. I'm sure it will invigorate you.

The promise in her voice made me feel a little lighter. Just knowing that Carina was there, looking after me in the way that only she knew how, gave me the strength to carry on, even after the hardest of days.