Hold On I Still Need You

-Forever & Always-

*Song: "Forever & Ever & Always" By Ryan Mack (Softer Version)

Sophie's POV:

The morning light spills gently through the curtains, casting a soft, golden hue across the room. I blink against the brightness, still tangled in the warmth of the blankets, but it's the warmth of Keefe's hand in mine that truly grounds me. His presence is a quiet comfort, like a promise—one that I never thought I'd be lucky enough to keep.

I turn my head, letting my gaze drift over to him. Keefe's eyes are closed, but I can feel his awareness of me, as if he knows exactly what I'm thinking. A small smile tugs at his lips, and I can't help but mirror it, feeling an overwhelming rush of love for him.

It hasn't been easy, not by any means. But as I sit here, wrapped in the safety of this moment, I realize something: we've made it through the impossible. And we've done it together. That thought settles deep in my chest, and I don't know how to explain the gratitude I feel. How lucky am I to have him by my side?

He squeezes my hand, his touch both reassuring and gentle, and I know without a doubt—our bond is unshakable.

Keefe opens his eyes, his smile deepening as if he can hear my thoughts. "We'll make it through anything, Foster," he says softly, his voice laced with certainty.

I nod, my heart swelling. Life won't always be easy. There will still be obstacles, maybe even more than we can imagine. But at this moment, with him, I feel ready for whatever comes next. Together, we can face it all.

The sun is warm against my skin, the kind of sunlight that makes everything feel possible. Keefe and I are sitting side by side in the garden, the soft rustle of leaves our only company. It's peaceful here, the world outside seeming distant, as if nothing could touch us in this moment. And for the first time in a long time, I feel like I can breathe.

"I've been thinking a lot about the future," I say, my fingers tracing patterns in the grass as I speak. "After everything we've been through, I've learned not to take anything for granted."

Keefe looks over at me, his expression softening. "What do you mean?"

I meet his eyes, the weight of everything I've experienced finally clicking into place. "I want to live each day to its fullest," I explain. "I want to be surrounded by the people I love, to make the most of every moment. After everything we've survived, I realize how precious life really is."

Keefe smiles, his gaze thoughtful as he listens. For a long moment, he doesn't say anything, and I wonder if he's still processing what I've said. But then, he speaks, his voice quiet and steady.

"I used to be uncertain about the future," he admits, his tone a little distant, as if he's recalling those darker times. "There were days when I didn't know if we'd make it, when everything felt so... fragile. But now? Now, I'm more sure than I've ever been."

I turn to him, heart beating faster, unsure where he's going with this. "What do you mean?"

Keefe squeezes my hand, his smile never faltering. "I want to build a life with you, Sophie. A life where we face challenges together, but no matter what comes our way, we never let go of what we share. We've made it this far, and I know we can handle whatever comes next."

My chest tightens, uncertainty creeping in. "What if it's too much? What if we can't handle it?"

Keefe looks at me, and there's nothing but assurance in his eyes. "We've already proven how strong we are together. There's nothing that can break us apart, Foster."

I nod slowly, his words sinking in, easing my doubts. Then, the conversation shifts. I lean back slightly, eyes on the sky. "I want to see the world," I admit, my voice soft. "I want to experience everything I've missed. Travel, explore... just make up for lost time."