Like someone is wrapping us with electric wires, but instead of it being painful, I want the electricity to shock me over and over again.
I sling her backpack over my shoulder, giving her a gentle nudge forward. “You go ahead and nap.”
She huffs a soft laugh. “Jet lag is real, Luca.”
“Then sleep. I’ll wake you when we’re at the hotel,” I grin.
She leans against me, letting out a contented sigh, and I realize I don’t mind being squished in a taxi with her at all.
The ride through Paris is like watching a dream move slowly beneath our wheels.
Streetlights flicker across the car, reflections glinting in puddles from the night before.
The buildings look impossibly old, impossibly beautiful, and I keep sneaking glances at Tilly.
Even tired, she’s perfect to me.
“Hey,” I bump her gently with my shoulder. “You awake?”
Her eyes flutter open, still groggy, a small smile forming. “Yeah, barely. It’s all really pretty.”
“Not as pretty as you,”
She leans her head against my shoulder, and I make sure to breathe in a way that won’t be uncomfortable for her.
By the time we arrive at the hotel, I carry T up to our apartment bridal style while she’s still half asleep.
“Your kingdom awaits,” I gesture to the lobby, which smells faintly of flowers and fresh linen.
The room is beautiful, and the view from our window is even more stunning.
We have the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower, and I know she will scream with joy tomorrow, when the jet lag dissolves.
“Finally, sleep.”
“Sleep. Or snacks,” I counter, tossing her my backpack. She catches it lazily, yawning.
I flop onto the other bed, letting out a tired groan. “We did it.”
“Yes, we did,” she agrees.
I smile at her, heart full, and reach over to squeeze her hand.
The love of your life is with you in the city of love.
Your friends have seen every part of you, and they still love you.
Your life is just like you imagined, except better, because it’s no longer a daydream or a nightmare.
It’s reality, and you are finally focusing on the present, because the past no longer defines you, and the future will be ok.
Everything will be ok, because you are ok.
You’re beautiful.
You’re healthy.
You’re smart.
