Being in love is wonderful...
It makes you want to wake up every morning to see your loved one first. And every morning, I look into Miriam's eyes before I think about anything else. Her smile, her voice, and her unique movements are all different each day.
But today is different.
"Got... Got!"
Gasp!
I woke up suddenly, my body gasping for air. Miriam looked pale, her lips swollen and red, tears welling up in her eyes, prompting me to reach out and gently cup her cheek to calm her panic.
"I'm awake now!"
I barely needed to ask what had happened to make Miriam react this way. It seemed like my sleep apnea had returned this morning, and I had no idea how long I had stopped breathing. Now, my head was spinning from the lack of oxygen for a moment.
"You weren't breathing!"
I paused for a moment before pretending to be oblivious.
"How can this be? I'm breathing! People who don’t breathe are dead, so don’t scare me like that!"
"Your heart has stopped beating!"
"Do I look like a ghost to you?"
"GOD!"
Miriam screamed loudly, making me jump. The sight of her tears made it impossible for me to keep smiling, knowing that the longer I pretended not to be aware, the angrier she would get. I pulled her small body into a hug, rubbing her back gently to comfort her.
"But I’m breathing! Please don’t cry; seeing you cry hurts me."
"It’s nothing like seeing you not breathing. Huh…"
.
.
This morning wasn’t as refreshing as usual, with Miriam sitting silently, picking at the porridge I had made, seemingly oblivious to the taste. I had forgotten that love isn’t just about the beautiful moments. Even though we sometimes fight, it’s never been as tense and uncomfortable as this morning.
"Have you finished your period yet?"
I quickly tried to change the mood to something lighter. When things get tense, making a crude joke can lighten the mood. I wasn’t sure how effective it would be, but it had to be better than silence.
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, I realize it’s been several days.”
I smiled, pleased to have redirected her focus as she dipped her finger into her glass of water and shook it at me shyly.
"Yes, it’s over."
"Oh, today is a good day!"
"How is that good?"
"Let me think about what makes it good…"
I rolled my eyes and Miriam kicked my leg playfully.
"Let’s think about how good it is after work."
"Well, today I’m going to make a list of the advantages of not having periods anymore so we can discuss them tonight."
"Is ‘discuss’ the right word?"
"Actually, ‘debate’ would be more appropriate."
"You’re so weird, when did you get like this?"
"Since I fell in love with you. Now hurry up and eat so you have energy for work."
