Flickering Sparks

Chapter 11

The morning light spills gently through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Jocelyn's voice calls softly from the doorway, pulling me from the depths of a peaceful sleep. "Marcus, Y/N," she murmurs with that familiar, comforting tone. I blink, my mind hazy and clinging to the remnants of last night, mumbling, "Yes?"

"Marcus has a flight to catch soon," she says gently, and her words bring a bittersweet ache as I nod, the reality of his departure settling over me.

The memories of last night drift back vividly, filling me with warmth. Because of the limited space, Marcus ended up sharing my room, and we'd both laughed, easing any initial awkwardness as we set up for the night. It felt like just another part of the journey we were sharing, and the comfort of having him nearby made everything feel right. We'd stayed up talking about everything and nothing—the concert, the kids, our memories from the childcare center, and the laughter that had filled the day.

At some point deep in the night, we'd both started drifting off when the soft sound of tiny footsteps interrupted the stillness. Jack appeared in the doorway, his little face pale with fear, clutching his blanket tightly. "Y/N... I had a bad dream," he whispered, his voice trembling. Without a second thought, I waved him over, patting the bed beside me.

Marcus and I exchanged a knowing look, and he scooted over, making space as Jack crawled between us, curling up with a relieved sigh. I wrapped an arm around him, soothing him gently, feeling his small hand slip into mine. We both lay there, quietly comforting him until he fell asleep, his breathing steady and soft. It was one of those small, tender moments that felt like pure magic—three people finding peace and warmth in each other's presence.

After a while, Marcus carefully gathered Jack in his arms, lifting him with such gentleness it made my heart swell. He carried Jack back to his bed, tucking him in with the same care you'd use with something precious. When he returned, a sleepy smile on his face, he lay back down beside me, our faces inches apart, the room wrapped in quiet comfort.

I still remember how natural it felt when we drifted off together, his arms circling around me protectively, and how his steady heartbeat lulled me into the deepest, most restful sleep I'd had in ages. That closeness, that feeling of complete trust and warmth—it was something I'd carry with me, no matter where life took us.

Now, as I glance over, he's still peacefully asleep, his features soft in the morning light, a gentle reminder of all the quiet strength and kindness he carries with him. The thought of him leaving today tugs at my heart, but at the same time, I feel grateful. Last night was a memory I'll keep close, a reminder that sometimes the best moments in life are the ones we never expect, filled with laughter, warmth, and the quiet comfort of being with someone who feels like home.

I reach over gently, tucking a strand of hair away from Marcus's face, my fingers brushing softly against his forehead. "Marcus," I whisper, not wanting to disrupt the peacefulness around us but knowing we only have a little time left. "You need to wake up."

He stirs, a small smile tugging at his lips as he slowly opens his eyes, blinking in the early light. His deep, warm brown eyes meet mine, still hazy from sleep but gradually sharpening with recognition. "I'm awake," he murmurs, his voice rough and warm, the perfect combination that makes me want to freeze this moment.

"Good," I say softly, feeling a weight settle in my chest as I try to keep things light. "You've got a flight waiting for you."

He's quiet for a moment, studying my face like he's memorizing every detail, and then he asks, almost in a whisper, "When am I gonna see you again?"

His words hang in the air, filling the room with a gentle tension that's both comforting and bittersweet. I bite my lip, feeling the question settle heavily between us. "I don't know," I answer truthfully, searching his face for any sign of reassurance. "Soon, hopefully."