Payb Takes Book 3

Heart Keeper

August 6, 12:30am:

I know you're already home when I get to the door but the darkness and silence that meet me almost make me doubt if you really are home if you didn't just text me while I was on the ride home.

"Love?" I call after closing the door but the sound of my voice only echoes in the empty room. "Tulog na siguro."

I place the take-out bags I brought home in the fridge. I don't think we'll be having midnight food trip tonight. I'm still pretty full with the late dinner with my friends and you're probably sleeping, exhausted from your rigorous training at the gym.

We both usually look forward to this time every night when we have the world all to ourselves, when it's just you and me but I guess, we can pass tonight. It's been a long day for both of us.

I drink some water then proceed to the bedroom. I was right. You are already asleep or appear to be sleeping, already showered, lying on your side with your back against me with the duvet pulled up to your chest, your bare shoulders indicating you must have fallen asleep in just your boxers or nothing as you often do when you're tired.

I walk towards you and gently stroke your arm, careful not to wake you. Thankfully, you don't stir. I slowly lean to press a soft kiss on your cheek.

"I love you." I whisper then proceed to the bathroom for a quick shower.

I think I hear you sigh but when I turn to look, you don't seem to have moved from your position.

Minutes later, I join you in bed, dressed in my sleepwear, your over-sized Ironman shirt. Before we were married, I liked wearing your clothes when you weren't sleeping over and I miss you now I love wearing them because I got so used to them already. They give me comfort and warmth, like you, like home.

I slip under the duvet beside you, slip my arm around your waist and hug you from the back. I rest my cheek on your muscular back and inhale the fresh musky scent of your skin. I plant a kiss on your shoulder and whisper, "Good night, Love."

I close my eyes and I hear you sniffle. I frown and open my eyes.

Are you awake? Are you sick again? Did you leave your sweaty shirt on to dry off on your back again? I put three fresh shirts in your gym bag for you to change into every time you soak the one you have on. Oh, boy, are you going to hear quite an earful from me when you wake up.

"Love?" I sit up and lean over your shoulder to look at your face and catch you quickly brushing some tears away. "What happened? Are you crying?"

"No." You say and close your eyes.

"Kanina ka pa gising?"

"Di ako makatulog." You answer.

"Gising ka pala pag-uwi ko? You didn't even say Hi. Anong problema? Are you upset that I came home late? Pero bakit mo naman yun iiyakan? Ano ba talaga nangyari?"

You sigh and sit up then take my hand in yours. "Hindi nga ako umiiyak. Nalamigan lang. Sabi ko naman sa'yo di ba? Okay lang sa akin na lumabas ka with your friends tonight. You deserve a break and you haven't seen them for a long time."

I meet your eyes and find sadness and anger in them, the same one I have been seeing these past few days and trying to wipe off. The same one you show only to me, the way you do with all your deepest thoughts and emotions.

"Looks like you need a break, Love." I tell you with an attempt of a smile as I touch your cheek. "Pagod?"

"Pagod. Sobra." You sigh and take my hand. "Can I take you away?"