I decided it was time for a special treat for my Sammi. She'd been so good these past weeks-accepting my care, staying by my side, crying less. I wanted to reward her. Of course, she wasn't ready to rejoin the real world, but a private outing? That was perfect.
When I told her she was going outside, her wide-eyed expression was priceless. At first, she didn't believe me, her voice shaking as she asked, "Why?"
I tilted her chin up, smiling down at her. "Because you deserve it, Sammi. You've been such a good girl for me."
Her lips pressed together in a tense line, but I ignored it, too excited to care. I dressed her carefully, choosing a soft, pastel dress that complemented her pale complexion. Her protests about being carried were, as always, ignored as I lifted her into my arms.
"You don't need to walk," I reminded her with a soft kiss on her forehead. "I've got you." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The park I'd chosen was private-completely ours. Tall hedges surrounded the manicured lawns, the sunlight filtering gently through the trees. It was beautiful, secluded, and utterly perfect for my Sammi.
I laid out a picnic blanket under a large oak tree, settling her down gently before sitting beside her. Her body was stiff, her eyes darting around as if she expected something-or someone-to appear.
"There's no one here," I reassured her, placing a hand on her cheek. "Just us."
She relaxed slightly but still looked wary. I didn't mind. She was adorable when she was nervous.
"Read to me," I said, handing her a worn book of horror stories.
She blinked at me, confused.
"W-What?"
"I want you to read to me, Sammi," I repeated, scooting closer until my chin rested on her shoulder. I wrapped my arms around her waist, pressing her back against my chest. "It'll be fun."
Her fingers trembled as she opened the book, her voice shaky as she began to read. The story was chilling, filled with shadows and whispers, but I barely paid attention to the words. I was too focused on her-her soft voice, the way her hands fidgeted with the pages, the warmth of her body against mine.
Every so often, I reached for a strawberry from the basket beside me, holding it to her lips.
"Here," I murmured, brushing the fruit against her mouth until she took a reluctant bite.
She didn't protest aloud, but her unease was clear. I kissed her temple, whispering, "We're perfect together, aren't we, Sammi? Just the two of us."
Her voice wavered as she read, her breathing uneven. I tightened my arms around her, nuzzling into her neck. "You're mine," I murmured. "Always mine."
She didn't respond, but I didn't need her to. The way she stayed in my arms, letting me hold her, was answer enough.
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As the sun began to set, I noticed her trembling slightly, her exhaustion clear. "Enough reading," I said, closing the book and setting it aside. I turned her to face me, cupping her face in my hands.
"You did so well today, Sammi," I said, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "See? You don't need anything but me."
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she didn't argue. Instead, she let me hold her, her head resting on my shoulder as we sat in the fading light.
I stroked her hair, whispering promises of forever as the world around us grew quiet.
She was mine, and today had proved it once again. No matter where we went, she would always belong to me.
