“Can we go to the beach?”
I open my mouth to answer—yes, of course—but she yawns mid-sentence again.
A small laugh slips out of me before I can stop it.
“Come on,” I say, taking her hand.
She resists weakly, more out of habit than strength. “I want to see it.”
“And you will,” I reply, guiding her gently toward the bed. “After we rest.”
She mutters something under her breath—still arguing, still trying to hold onto the idea of staying awake—but I’m already pulling back the covers.
“Just a few minutes,” she insists as I lower myself onto the bed and draw her into my arms.
“Mm-hm,” I agree.
She shifts slightly, trying to maintain her stubbornness. “Only a few minutes.”
“Yes, Valeria.”
That finally earns a quiet, satisfied sound from her.
And within minutes, her breathing evens out.
She’s asleep.
Completely.
I look down at her for a moment longer than I intend to.
Then I exhale softly, careful not to move too much. Not to disturb her peace.
For once, there’s nothing outside this room demanding anything from us.
And I let that moment stay.
I don’t know when I fall asleep.
But the next thing I know, something is nudging me.
“Timofey.”
A soft groan follows.
“Come on. We’re only here for one day, and we already slept it away.”
My eyes open slowly.
Evening light spills through the tall windows, painting the room in gold.
Valeria stands beside the bed, smiling.
She’s changed into a flowing gown that moves lightly around her frame, catching the breeze from the slightly open balcony doors.
She looks….
Stunning.
