#― asks ✷ SMAIL

[fanaticsnail]

Me and @writingmysanity as she has a girly wine night 😘👌.

Snail Mail 🐌

Ngl would love to see the snails (not Gem/Grian!) open up a rival mail service, only everything arrives much later and much goopier

[stylesispunk]

"I'll never leave, Never mind"

not outbreak! Joel Miller x f!reader

Summary: You and Joel met at the hospital that may have sealed your fate.

wc: 16,3k. Longest one I've ever written.

warnings: extreme angst, grieving, death,No proofreading.

a/n: There is no new chapter of 'Silent Strain' tonight, but here is a new one shoot. This is a sad sad and rushed one and it was heavily inspired on 'we live in time' cuz florence and andrew content made me think on it a lot. Reblogs and comments are always appreciated. 💌

dividers by @/saradika-graphics

Joel and you could have said that fate has its way to interlock threads among people.

Some people met through friends at a party.

Others had their long way from kids, from friends to lovers and getting married.

And others met by coincidence,

When both of them ended up with a broken arm and broken fingers in a hospital.

One breaking up with his lifetime girlfriend.

The other foolish being cheated on.

Joel was leaning back in the chair, his arm in a sling, his expression was pure irritation and pain. Across from him, you sat cradling your bandaged fingers, the sting of adrenaline still fresh from your impulsive decision. The silence felt strange and weird, after all everything was a dream engulfed in fire.

You glanced at the man in front of you, studying his profile, he way his brow furrowed slightly, the tension in his jaw. He caught your gaze and raised an eyebrow in question. Finally, unable to take the silence any longer, you blurted out, "What happened to your arm?"

Joel’s eyes flickered to his sling, a small, almost amused smirk playing at his lips. "A bar fight," he replied, his voice low and gravelly. "Didn't go quite like I planned."

"Sounds like it wasn't your night," you replied, trying to suppress a grin.

He chuckled softly. "You could say that." Then, nodding at your bandaged hand, he added, "What about you? Those fingers look pretty messed up."

You hesitated for a moment, debating whether to tell the truth. "Punched my ex," you admitted finally. "Turns out, hitting someone with rings on isn't the smartest move."

Joel's grin widened, and for a moment, the tension between you both dissipated. "What about?," he asked, leaning back in his chair.

"cheating" You said, with a lazy smaile.

You both gaze at each other, still unaware that the woman your ex had cheated with was Joel's ex-girlfriend. Fate, or maybe the universe, had twisted your lives into a messy knot, and the hospital room was just the start of what would prove to be an unexpected connection between two strangers meeting at a hospital for the first time.

"How can people do that to you?." His gaze grew distant, him not saying the truth behind the statement and you wondered what ghosts were lingering in his past. The thought that you might be more connected than you realized hadn’t crossed your mind yet, but somehow, it felt like this conversation was meant to happen.

"So, what happened?" you asked, a little softer this time. "With the bar fight, I mean."

Joel shifted his gaze back to you, the corner of his mouth quirking up in a lopsided smile. "You wouldn’t believe me if I told you," he replied. There was a hint of challenge in his tone, as if daring you to ask more.

"Try me," you shot back, leaning forward slightly.

He chuckled, more to himself than to you. "Alright, then. I walked into a bar to clear my head. Turns out, my ex was there, drinking with some guy who looked like he thought he owned the place. Words were said, and, well… my fist got to know his face better than I planned." He winced, probably at the memory or the pain radiating from his arm.

"Your ex?" you echoed, a strange feeling creeping up your spine.

"Yeah," Joel said, nodding. "She was the reason I needed a drink in the first place. She cheated and we broke up, but seeing her with him… didn’t exactly help. And before you ask, no, I don’t know why I still care." There was a bitter edge to his words, one that made you think of your own ex and the anger still simmering in your chest.

You were about to respond, maybe tell him that you understood too well, when the door to the waiting room opened, and a nurse stepped in. She glanced between the two of you, holding a clipboard. “Mr. Miller?” she called, and Joel raised his good hand.

"That’s me," he said, pushing himself to his feet with a grimace. The nurse gestured for him to follow, but before he could move, he looked back at you, a strange expression crossing his face.

“Maybe when I’m back, we can still have this conversation” he suggested, a hint of a grin returning.

You nodded, feeling a pull toward him that was hard to ignore. "I’d like that," you replied, watching as he disappeared down the hallway.

You had just turned to leave when you heard Joel’s voice behind you.

"Hey," he called out, a little hesitantly. You stopped in your tracks and turned back to face him.

Joel rubbed the back of his neck, clearly not the type to do this often. "I was just thinkin’... I don’t really wanna leave things like this. Mind if I get your number?"

For a second, you were caught off guard. Joel, tough and reserved, asking for your number? It felt like one of those moments where the universe gave you a choice a small step toward something unknown but maybe worth exploring.

You smiled, this time a bit more genuine, and nodded. "Yeah, sure."

Pulling out your phone, you exchanged numbers, the simple act suddenly feeling like a big deal, like some invisible line had been crossed.

"Thanks," he said quietly, his eyes meeting yours again, and for a moment, there was that same unspoken connection between you.

"Guess I’ll see you around," you said, slipping your phone back into your pocket.

Joel gave you a small, almost shy smile. "Yeah. I’d like that."

With one last glance, you turned and walked away, feeling a little lighter than before. And even though you had no idea what would come next, there was something about the way Joel had stopped you that made you feel like maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something new.

A new friendship,

A new story,

A new romance.

You didn't know, but there was a good feeling about those big brown eyes of Joel when he looked at you.

Joel had met a girl who made him feel at ease, like being bathed by the warm sun of a chilly autumn afternoom.

And you, you had met a man who made you believe not everyone wanted to hurt you.

Something like golden in color, something like dawn being seen from the beach.

Pure, fearless and sweet.

Later that night, as you lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, the events of the day kept replaying in your mind. Meeting Joel, the strange connection, the shocking revelation about his ex—it was all too much to process. You turned over, trying to let sleep take over, but your mind wouldn’t settle.

Just as you were about to close your eyes, your phone buzzed on the nightstand. You blinked in the darkness, surprised anyone would be texting this late. Grabbing your phone, you saw Joel’s name light up on the screen. Your heart did a small, unexpected flip as you opened the message.

Joel: Hope I didn’t wake you. Just wanted to say… It was really nice to meet you.

You stared at the message, feeling a warmth spread through you. It wasn’t a grand declaration, just a simple, honest text. And yet, something about it made you smile in the quiet of your room.

You hesitated for a moment, then typed back:

You: No, you didn’t wake me. I’m glad we met too. Today was...nice after all.

That's how it started between the both of you.

It was coincidental.

It was legendary.

Three months after talking, two months after running after each other and hanging out.

Joel finally asked you out on a date.

Joel stood in the doorway, scanning your coffee shop before his eyes found you behind the counter. For a split second, the same look of surprise crossed his face as it had the day you first met, like he hadn’t fully expected to see you here. But then his expression softened, and he gave you a small nod as he walked toward the counter.

"A cup of coffee, Miller?" you asked with a grin, trying to hide the flutter of nerves that came with seeing him.

Joel scratched the back of his neck, looking a little uncomfortable, but there was something different in his posture today, like he had something in the back of his mind . "Actually… I was hoping..." he beganhis voice low and a bit hesitant.

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued. 'What?"

He took a breath, looking almost shy for a man like him, and you could see him working up the courage. "I was wonderin’ if you’d want to go out sometime. Maybe grab a drink or dinner." His eyes locked onto yours, and despite the casual tone, there was a weight behind his words, like he’d been thinking about this since the last time you saw each other.

Your heart skipped a beat, and you found yourself momentarily speechless. The idea of Joel, this tough, guarded man, asking you out felt both surprising and strangely right at the same time.

"You want to take me out?" you asked, making sure you hadn’t misheard.

Joel gave a small, almost sheepish smile. "Yeah, I do. I mean, if you’re up for it. Something fancier, just… somewhere that isn't your coffee hop or a hospital hallway."

You couldn’t help but smile at that. His awkwardness was endearing, and there was something in his eyes that made it clear he wasn’t playing games—this wasn’t just about grabbing a drink. It felt like he was genuinely interested in getting to know you.

"Sure," you said, your voice soft but certain. "I’d like that."

Joel’s shoulders visibly relaxed, and he smiled, a real one this time. "Alright, then. How about tomorrow night? I know a good place."

"Tomorrow sounds great," you replied, trying to ignore the excited flutter in your chest. "Just let me know where."

"I will," Joel nodded, and for a moment, he just stood there, the air between you charged with something unspoken.

As he turned to leave, he paused at the door, glancing back at you with that same small, shy smile. "I’ll see you tomorrow."

You nodded, feeling a warmth spread through you as you watched him walk out of the shop. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.

The next evening, you stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the fabric of your red dress. It was simple, elegant, and just a little daring, something you hadn’t worn in a while. There was a nervous excitement bubbling inside you as you got ready. It wasn’t often you went on dates, and certainly not with someone like Joel.

As you approached the restaurant, your heart raced a little faster. The soft glow of the lights spilling out onto the sidewalk set a warm and inviting tone, but it was the thought of seeing Joel that had your nerves on edge.

When you stepped inside, scanning the room, you saw him right away. Joel was seated near the window, dressed in a dark button-up shirt that suited him well, though it still carried that ruggedness you’d come to associate with him. His head was down, focused on the menu in front of him, unaware that you had arrived.

But then, as if sensing your presence, he looked up—and his reaction was instant. His eyes widened, and his mouth parted slightly in disbelief. Joel sat there, frozen for a moment, his eyes taking in the sight of you in the red dress. He hadn’t expected this. The sight of you knocked the air right out of his lungs.

You caught the way his mouth hung open just a bit, the look of awe in his eyes. It was as if, for a second, he couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing. You smiled shyly, stepping toward him, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks under his gaze.

Joel stood up quickly, almost knocking the chair back in his haste. "Wow," he breathed, barely managing to find the words. "You… you look incredible." His voice was low, almost reverent, like he couldn’t tear his eyes away from you.

"Thanks," you replied, feeling a little bashful under his gaze but also enjoying how flustered he seemed. "You don’t look too bad yourself."

Joel chuckled, but his eyes remained on you, still taking in the way the dress hugged your figure, the way the soft light from the restaurant made you glow. For a man who was usually so composed and reserved, he was completely undone by you tonight.

As you reached the table, Joel moved to pull out your chair, a little clumsily, but his gesture was sweet. "Here, let me," he offered, still looking at you like you’d just walked out of a dream.

"Thanks," you murmured as you sat down, glancing up at him with a smile. He was still standing, his eyes lingering on you for a moment longer before he finally sat across from you.

For a few moments, Joel was quiet, his usual gruffness replaced by something softer, almost tender. He leaned back in his chair, shaking his head slightly as if trying to process what he was feeling. "I wasn’t expectin’ this," he admitted, his voice a little rough. "You look… I don’t even have the words."

You laughed softly, feeling the tension ease between you. "I’m glad I could surprise you."

Joel leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table, his eyes never leaving yours. "You did. And I’m real glad you’re here."

As the evening unfolded, the conversation flowed easily, and despite the initial nerves, you both found a rhythm. Joel’s lingering stares, his quiet admiration, the way his eyes softened every time you smiled—everything felt charged with an undeniable connection. There was something between you, something unspoken but very real.

And as the night went on, you couldn’t help but wonder if the universe really did have its own funny way of pulling people together.

It felt like a movie. Waking up next to Joel felt like living inside a dream you never wanted to end. Each morning, as the sunlight spilled through the curtains, the reality of it all washed over you, how something that started so unexpectedly had grown into this, something solid, something that felt like home. It felt like a movie, the kind where everything was beautifully imperfect, but just right in all the ways that mattered.

You turned in bed, watching him sleep, his chest rising and falling steadily. There was a calmness in his face, a softness that most people never got to see. His hair was a little messier, a few strands falling into his eyes, and you reached out gently, brushing them aside. He stirred, his eyes fluttering open, and when he saw you, a sleepy smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

“Morning,” he mumbled, his voice rough from sleep.

“Morning,” you whispered back, smiling as you traced a finger along his arm. "Feels like we’re in one of those romantic comedies, doesn’t it?"

Joel chuckled softly, his deep laugh rumbling through his chest. "Except I’m no prince, and you didn’t have to kiss a frog to get me."

You rolled your eyes playfully, but the truth was, every day with Joel felt like something special, like fate had somehow woven your lives together in the most unexpected way. You thought back to that first day in the hospital when you’d both been broken in different ways, and now, here you were, piecing each other back together.

"You say that like you’re not the most decent guy I’ve ever met," you teased, settling back into his arms.

Joel tightened his hold around you, his fingers brushing through your hair. "You give me too much credit."

"I don’t think I give you enough," you replied softly, your voice laced with sincerity.

He didn’t say anything for a moment, just stared at you with those deep, soulful eyes, the kind that always made you feel seen, really seen. Joel was never one for flowery words, but his actions spoke volumes—the way he looked after you, the way he showed up for you, every single day, even when he didn’t need to.

"Can’t believe it’s been a year," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Me neither," you admitted. "Happy anniversary" you said, kissing all of his face.

Joel smiled as your lips brushed across his face, his eyes closing briefly as he soaked in the tenderness of the moment. "Happy anniversary," he murmured, his voice low and warm, as if the words held more weight than he could fully express. His hands slid up to cradle your face, pulling you closer as he pressed a gentle kiss to your lips.

“You’ve made this past year somethin’ I never thought I’d have again,” Joel whispered against your skin, his voice thick with emotion. His thumb traced the line of your jaw, the small, intimate gesture sending warmth through you. “Never thought I’d feel this way.”

You smiled, your heart swelling at his words. "You deserve it, Joel. We both do." You kissed the tip of his nose, then his cheek, trailing kisses along his stubbled jawline. "I’m lucky to wake up next to you every day."

He let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head as though he couldn’t quite believe it himself. "Feels like I’m the lucky one.

You laughed softly, wrapping your arms around him, pulling him closer. "I guess we’re both lucky, then."

Joel gazed at you, his eyes soft, filled with an emotion that words couldn’t quite capture. "Don’t know what I’d do without you," he whispered, his voice just a little rough around the edges.

"Good thing you don’t have to find out," you teased, leaning in for another kiss, this one lingering, as if the moment itself held a promise. The world outside the bedroom didn’t matter, not right now. All that mattered was this, the quiet love that had grown between you both over the past year.

The kind of love that, even in its simplicity, felt like the most beautiful thing in the world.

Later that morning, you and Joel stood side by side in the kitchen, working in comfortable silence as you prepared breakfast together. The smell of coffee filled the air, and the sound of sizzling bacon accompanied the quiet hum of morning. Both of you had decided to take the day off—no work, no interruptions—just a day to be together and celebrate your anniversary.

As you stirred the eggs, Joel suddenly cleared his throat, drawing your attention. You glanced over to see him watching you with that familiar, warm smile that always made your heart skip a beat.

"You know," he began, his voice soft, "I’ve been thinkin’ about somethin’." He flipped the bacon, pausing for a moment, almost like he was searching for the right words. "I know some people think we’re movin’ fast—bein’ together the way we are after only a year."

You set the spatula down, turning to face him fully. You’d heard the comments before—friends and family making subtle remarks about how quickly things had progressed between you and Joel. But none of that had ever mattered to you. It felt right.

"And… what do you think?" you asked gently, curious where his thoughts were leading.

Joel looked at you, his expression serious for a moment, before it softened into something deep, something real. "I think it’s the happiest I’ve ever been," he admitted, his voice steady. "And I don’t care if people think we’re movin’ too fast. Everything just feels right with you." He set the pan aside and stepped closer to you, reaching out to gently cup your face.

Your breath caught in your throat, the weight of his words hitting you in the best way possible. You could see the sincerity in his eyes, the way he looked at you like you were his whole world. And in that moment, you realized just how much you meant to him.

"I’ve got a surprise for you," Joel added, his voice a little softer, and there was a glint of nervousness in his eyes—something you didn’t see from him often.

"A surprise?" you repeated, a playful smile tugging at your lips. "What kind of surprise?"

He took your hand, leading you away from the stove and into the living room. His grip was firm, yet there was a tenderness to the way he held you, like he was holding something precious.

Joel stopped in front of the couch, turning to face you. He reached into his back pocket and, for a moment, your heart skipped a beat. Slowly, he pulled out a small box, and as he held it in his hand, you realized exactly what was happening.

Your eyes widened, and you brought a hand to your mouth as Joel got down on one knee, looking up at you with that same earnest, loving expression.

"I know it’s been a year, and I know some people might think this is crazy," he began, his voice steady, though you could hear the emotion in it. "But I don’t care about any of that. I’ve never been surer of anything in my life." He opened the box, revealing a simple but beautiful ring. "You make me feel like I’m home, every day. So, I’m askin’… will you marry me?"

Your heart nearly stopped as you stood there, mouth agape, staring at Joel kneeling in front of you with that ring in his hand. The weight of the moment washed over you, and before you could think, your body moved on instinct. You dropped to your knees in front of him, wrapping your arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight embrace.

Joel immediately responded, his strong arms coming around you, holding you close as if he never wanted to let go. The words "Yes, yes," tumbled from your lips, breathless and full of emotion. Without even realizing it, you shifted, wrapping your legs around his waist as he held you securely.

His laugh was soft and filled with pure joy as he stood up, lifting you effortlessly with him. He held you tightly, your legs still wrapped around his waist as you clung to him. "You really mean that?" he asked, his voice a little shaky, but his eyes shone with happiness.

You nodded, burying your face in the crook of his neck, your voice catching as you whispered, "I’ve never been surer of anything in my life."

Joel’s arms tightened around you, his chest rumbling with laughter and relief all at once. "You’ve made me the happiest man alive," he said, his voice deep and full of love.

You pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. You smiled; your heart full to the brim. "I guess we both found home."

Joel pressed his forehead against yours, his voice barely above a whisper as he said, "I guess we did."

With your legs still wrapped around his waist, Joel gently lowered you to the ground, holding you steady as you found your footing. His eyes never left yours, full of warmth and something even deeper that made your heart swell. He reached for the ring, holding it up with a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Now," he said, his voice barely a whisper, filled with emotion, "let me do this the right way."

He carefully took your hand in his, and you watched in awe as he slid the ring onto your finger. It felt cool at first, but as it settled into place, it felt like it belonged there—like it had always been meant to be.

You couldn’t take your eyes off the ring, sparkling in the morning light. It was simple, yet beautiful—perfect, just like the moment.

Joel’s fingers brushed yours as he held your hand, pulling you close again. "Looks just right," he murmured, his voice low and full of affection. His thumb softly traced over the ring, and then over your knuckles, like he was making sure it was real, like this wasn’t just a dream.

You looked up at him, tears brimming in your eyes, but they were happy tears, filled with the overwhelming joy of knowing you had found your forever with this man. "It’s perfect," you whispered, squeezing his hand.

Joel smiled, pulling you into his arms again, his lips brushing the top of your head as he murmured, "You’re perfect."

For a long moment, the two of you stood there, wrapped in each other, savoring the silence and the weight of what had just happened. It was more than just a proposal—it was a promise, one that you both knew you would keep, no matter what life threw at you.

A month had passed since the day Joel put that ring on your finger, and it felt like you were living in a dream. Every moment with him was like writing your own love story—filled with warmth, laughter, and the kind of happiness you never thought you’d find. You and Joel had started to create a life together, and it felt like the world had finally aligned in the best way.

That night, as the moonlight spilled through the curtains, Joel was already in bed, the soft glow of a lamp casting a warm light on him as he flicked through a book. You were in the bathroom, hands trembling slightly as you looked down at the test in your hand. The two lines were unmistakable. Your heart raced, a mixture of excitement, nerves, and disbelief filling your chest.

"Joel?" you called out from the bathroom, your voice a little shaky.

"Yeah, darlin'?" His voice was calm, unaware of the life-altering news you were about to share.

"I… I have to show you something," you managed to say, your nerves bubbling into a quiet, breathy laugh.

There was a brief pause before you heard the rustle of sheets and Joel's footsteps making their way toward the bathroom. The door creaked open, and Joel appeared in the doorway, his brows furrowed in curiosity. "What is it?" he asked, his deep voice laced with concern as his eyes searched your face.

You turned toward him, holding the pregnancy test in your hand, your heart pounding. With a nervous laugh, you held it out for him to see. "I... I'm pregnant, Joel."

His eyes flicked down to the test, and for a moment, it seemed like time stood still. The realization hit him slowly, his expression shifting from confusion to disbelief, and then to something far deeper. His mouth opened slightly, his breath catching in his throat as he processed the news.

"You're... pregnant?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.

You nodded, biting your lip, unsure of how he’d react. "I know it's a lot. I didn’t even expect it, but—"

Before you could finish, Joel stepped forward, pulling you into his arms, holding you tightly against him. His face buried into the crook of your neck, and you felt the warmth of his breath against your skin as he whispered, "Are you serious?"

Tears welled up in your eyes, and you nodded against his shoulder. "Yeah. I’m serious."

Joel pulled back just enough to look into your eyes, his hands cupping your face.

Joel lifted you effortlessly into his arms, his laughter mixing with yours as the weight of the news settled in—a shared joy that filled the room. His eyes sparkled with happiness, and the grin on his face was infectious. He held you close, your legs wrapped around his waist as he spun you in a small circle, both of you laughing like kids.

"I can’t believe it," Joel said, his voice filled with awe as he gently set you down on the bathroom counter, still holding you close. "We're gonna have a baby."

You nodded, the happiness bubbling up inside you, barely able to contain it. "We are," you whispered, your voice trembling with emotion. "We're gonna be parents."

Joel kissed your forehead softly, his hands gently rubbing your sides. "I love you," he whispered, the words filled with a depth of emotion that made your heart swell. "You and this baby—we're gonna have the perfect story”

Tears slipped down your cheeks, but they were happy tears, and you smiled up at him. "I love you too," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper. "We’re going to be a family."

He held you there for a moment longer, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment. Then, with a soft chuckle, Joel stepped back, still keeping a hand on your waist. "Guess we better start gettin’ used to this idea. A baby, huh?"

You nodded, your eyes shining with excitement. "A baby."

Joel smiled, still shaking his head in disbelief as he looked down at you. “A baby,” he repeated, his voice soft with awe. "I can’t believe it."

He rubbed his hand over his face, trying to wrap his mind around the idea of becoming a father again. The joy in his eyes was unmistakable. After all the hardships, after all the loss, this was something he didn’t think he’d ever have again—a chance at building a family, a future.

“Guess we’re gonna have to start gettin' the place ready, huh?” Joel said, a playful tone creeping into his voice. "Crib, baby clothes… We’re in for a lot of changes."

You laughed, wiping away the last of your tears. "Yeah, we have a lot to prepare for."

Joel grinned, stepping back and taking your hand as he led you out of the bathroom. "But I’m ready for all of it," he said, squeezing your hand gently. "Every single part of it."

As the two of you stepped into the bedroom, the quiet warmth of the moment settled over you. Joel sat down on the edge of the bed, pulling you into his lap. His hands rested on your stomach, fingers gently tracing over where your baby would grow.

"Just think," he murmured, his voice low and full of wonder. "In a few months, there’ll be a little one right here. A part of you and me."

The thought of it made your heart swell with love and anticipation. You leaned into him, resting your head on his shoulder. "I can’t wait, Joel," you whispered. "It’s going to be everything."

For a while, the two of you just sat there, holding each other in the quiet of the night, the future ahead of you bright and full of promise. It was a life neither of you had ever expected to find—but it was yours now, and you would cherish it, together.

Joel kissed the top of your head, his voice soft and full of love. "We’ve got a good thing goin’ here," he said. "And now, it’s just gonna get better."

You smiled, closing your eyes as you whispered back, "Yeah, it is."

Time seemed to pass in a blur after that night. Every moment was a new memory, a new step toward the future you and Joel were building together. As the months went by, you prepared for the arrival of your baby while deepening the bond between you two. Joel was there for every ultrasound, every late-night craving, and every moment of excitement and nerves.

The day you both decided to get married wasn’t a grand occasion but something simple, just the way you both wanted it. You’d been sitting on the couch, going over baby names, when Joel looked at you with that soft, familiar smile and said, “Why don’t we get married before the little one arrives?”

At first, the idea seemed so casual, but the more you thought about it, the more perfect it felt. You didn’t need a big ceremony or an extravagant event. What you wanted was to make things official in the most meaningful way possible, with just the two of you and a handful of your closest friends and family.

The wedding day was intimate, held at a charming little venue not far from home. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves turning shades of gold and crimson, and you couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setting. Your family and closest friends were there. As you walked toward him, your heart fluttered. Joel, standing tall and proud in his suit, his eyes filled with love and pride, made your breath catch in your throat. You couldn’t believe that this man, who had once been just a stranger, was now the center of your world.

When you reached him, Joel took your hands in his, his thumb gently brushing over your knuckles. His eyes locked onto yours, and in that moment, everything else faded away. It was just the two of you, standing together, ready to face whatever came next.

When you finally reached him, Joel took your hand, his thumb brushing gently against your skin. The look in his eyes was one of pure love and pride. He leaned in slightly and whispered, “You look beautiful, darlin’.”

The ceremony itself was short but filled with emotion. Joel’s voice wavered ever so slightly as he said his vows, and you could feel the weight of his words as he promised to love and support you forever.

“I never thought I’d be this lucky again,” he said softly, his eyes locked on yours. "You’ve given me more than I could’ve ever asked for."

Your heart swelled, and when it was your turn, you spoke from the heart. "I didn’t know life could be this good until I met you, Joel. You’ve changed everything for me."

The officiant declared you husband and wife, and Joel didn’t waste a second, pulling you in for a soft, meaningful kiss that felt like the beginning of a new chapter.

“By the power vested in me…” the officiant’s voice seemed to fade as you looked at Joel, your heart overflowing with love. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Joel’s smile widened as he gently cupped your face and pulled you into the sweetest, softest kiss. The world seemed to melt away, leaving just the two of you in that moment, forever bound to each other.

After the small, intimate wedding, life felt like it had settled into a beautiful rhythm. Every morning you woke up next to Joel felt like a dream you never wanted to end, and as your belly grew, so did your love for the life you were building together.

It was a calm morning a few weeks after the wedding, the sunlight streaming through the windows of your cozy home. Joel had already gotten out of bed to make breakfast, and you could hear the sounds of him moving around the kitchen. You smiled to yourself, feeling content and full of love.

You got up slowly, your hand instinctively resting on your growing bump. The baby had started kicking more frequently, and every little movement filled you with awe. You made your way to the kitchen, and there he was, standing at the stove, making scrambled eggs like he did every Sunday morning.

Joel looked over his shoulder when he heard you approach, his face breaking into a soft, adoring smile. "Mornin’, sweetheart. How’re you feelin’?"

“Good,” you said, wrapping your arms around him from behind, resting your cheek against his back. “Hungry, as always.”

He chuckled, placing a hand over yours. “That’s a good sign. I’ve got breakfast ready in just a few minutes.”

You sat down at the kitchen table, feeling the warmth of the sun on your face as Joel brought over plates of eggs, toast, and some fruit. As you both started eating, Joel couldn’t take his eyes off you, his expression full of love and admiration.

"You know," Joel started, his voice soft and thoughtful, "Every time I see you, like this, carryin' our baby… it just hits me how lucky I am."

You smiled, your heart swelling at his words. "I feel the same way, Joel. I can’t believe how much life has changed for the better. I never thought I’d get to be this happy."

Joel reached across the table, taking your hand in his. His thumb gently caressed the back of your hand as he gazed at you with that familiar warmth in his eyes. "We’ve been through a lot, but every bit of it led us here. And I wouldn’t change a thing."

After breakfast, the two of you spent the day together, enjoying the simple moments that made your life so full. Joel had taken time off from work to be around more as the baby’s due date got closer, and it felt like every day was another beautiful chapter in your love story.

As the evening drew near, you sat together on the couch, Joel’s hand resting protectively on your belly as the baby kicked softly. He looked at you, his eyes filled with a sense of peace and joy. "You’re gonna be such a great mom."

You smiled, leaning into him. "And you’re going to be the best dad."

Joel pressed a kiss to the top of your head, his hand never leaving your bump. The two of you sat there in the quiet, simply enjoying each other’s presence, the future stretching out before you, full of hope and love.

Months had passed, and the day finally arrived. You were in the hospital room, your hand gripping Joel’s tightly as you went through the final stages of labor. The pain was intense, but Joel was right there by your side, whispering encouragement in your ear, his voice calm and steady despite the chaos around you.

"You’re doin’ so good, sweetheart," Joel murmured, brushing a few strands of hair out of your face. His hand was firm in yours, grounding you as the contractions intensified. "Almost there. Just a little longer."

With one final push, the room filled with the first cry of your baby. Relief, exhaustion, and overwhelming joy washed over you as you collapsed back against the pillow. The doctor carefully placed the newborn in your arms, and when you looked down at her tiny face, everything else in the world faded away.

Joel stood beside you, his eyes wide with awe as he looked down at your daughter. "She’s here," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. His hand hovered above her small head before he gently stroked her soft hair. "She’s perfect."

You smiled up at him, tears filling your eyes as you whispered, "Sarah."

Joel’s breath hitched, his gaze softening even more as he took in the name. "Sarah," he repeated, his voice barely a whisper. He leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to your forehead before brushing his lips over your daughter’s tiny head. "Welcome to the world, baby girl."

Sarah’s little fingers curled around your thumb as she lay in your arms, her cries quieting as she settled into the warmth of your body. The love that filled the room was almost overwhelming, and you couldn’t stop the tears that flowed down your cheeks.

Joel sat down beside you, his arm slipping around your shoulders as the two of you gazed at your daughter in awe. "She’s gonna have your strength," Joel said softly, his voice filled with pride. "I can already see it."

"And she’ll have your heart," you whispered, leaning into him. "She’s a little piece of both of us."

For hours, you sat together in the quiet of the hospital room, marveling at the tiny miracle in your arms. Sarah yawned, her tiny eyes fluttering open for the first time, and Joel’s face lit up with a joy you’d never seen before.

"You’re gonna be a great dad," you whispered, resting your head against his shoulder.

Joel smiled, his eyes never leaving Sarah’s face. "And you’re gonna be the best mom," he replied, his voice soft but full of certainty.

In that moment, everything felt complete. The life you had built with Joel had come full circle, and now, holding Sarah, it felt like the perfect beginning to something even more beautiful. The three of you were a family, and nothing could ever take that away.

As you both sat there, watching your newborn daughter sleep peacefully in your arms, Joel leaned down and kissed you softly. "Thank you," he whispered. "For all of this. For her."

You smiled, tears filling your eyes once again. "We did this together."

And as the night settled in, the three of you together, you knew that this, this was everything you had ever dreamed of. A love that had grown into something extraordinary, a family you never thought possible, and a future that was full of hope and endless possibilities.

Time had passed, and life settled into a beautiful, busy rhythm. You found yourself balancing the challenges of raising Sarah while managing your work. Your coffee shop was thriving, and although it wasn’t always easy, the love and support Joel gave you made everything seem possible. Every morning, you’d drop Sarah off with her babysitter before opening the shop, your heart swelling as you kissed her little cheeks goodbye.

Joel and Tommy had built up their construction company together, working side by side like they always had. It was their dream, and they took pride in what they had created. Most evenings, they would come home late, tired but fulfilled, dust and sweat still clinging to their clothes, but there was always a smile on Joel's face as soon as he stepped through the door and saw you and Sarah.

It was a happy life, a busy one. Sarah was growing fast, and every day brought something new—a first laugh, her first wobbly steps, her fascination with the world around her. Joel had fallen completely in love with being a dad, always the first one to scoop Sarah up when he got home, carrying her around on his shoulders as she giggled.

One evening, after a long day of work, you were at home, feeding Sarah in her high chair while Joel and Tommy sat at the kitchen table, talking shop over dinner. You couldn’t help but smile as you listened to them go on about their latest project—something about expanding a new office building downtown. It warmed your heart to see Joel so happy in his work, and even more so knowing that you were all building this life together.

Joel caught your eye from across the table, a soft smile tugging at his lips. He stood up, coming over to where you were standing with Sarah. Gently, he wrapped his arms around you, pressing a kiss to the side of your head.

“You’re incredible, you know that?” he whispered, his voice filled with admiration as he watched you interact with Sarah.

You leaned into him, resting your head on his shoulder. “We’re doing this together,” you said softly, mirroring the words you’d told him in the hospital that day Sarah was born.

Tommy chuckled from the table. “Look at you two, bein’ all sappy. I’d say I’m jealous, but I’m just happy y’all found this.”

Joel laughed and shook his head, glancing down at Sarah, who was reaching out for him. “We’re lucky,” he said, picking her up and holding her close. “Wouldn’t change a damn thing.”

As you watched Joel with your daughter, your heart swelled with a deep, contented happiness. The busy days, the challenges, and the long nights—it was all worth it. You had a family, a home filled with love, and a future that was built on the strength of the bond you shared. Every piece of your life had fallen into place, and there was nothing more you could ask for.

Later that night, after Tommy had left and Sarah was fast asleep in her crib, you and Joel sat together on the couch, the soft glow of the living room lamp casting a warm light over the room. Joel had his arm draped over your shoulders, and you were curled into his side, a blanket wrapped around the both of you. The house was quiet, a peaceful kind of stillness that only came after a busy day with Sarah.

You sighed contentedly, resting your head on Joel's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It had been a long day, but these quiet moments together always made it feel like everything was exactly where it should be.

Joel pressed a soft kiss to the top of your head, his hand gently rubbing your arm. “Been thinkin’ a lot about our future,” he murmured, his voice low and thoughtful.

You looked up at him, curious. “Yeah? What about it?”

He smiled softly, the corners of his eyes crinkling in that familiar way that always made your heart flutter. “I mean… look at us,” he said, glancing down at you and then toward the hallway where Sarah slept. “We’ve got a beautiful baby girl, a home… but I wanna make sure I’m givin’ y’all the life you deserve.”

You reached up, cupping his cheek and turning his face toward you. “Joel, you’re already doing that,” you said earnestly. “We have everything we need. We have each other.”

He leaned into your touch, his eyes softening. “I know, darlin’. But I’ve been thinkin’ about what’s next for us. I want to keep buildin’—for us, for Sarah. Maybe someday, we could get a bigger place… one with a backyard where Sarah can run around. And who knows, maybe she won’t be the only little one runnin’ around.”

You blinked in surprise, your heart skipping a beat at the thought. “Are you saying you want more kids?”

Joel chuckled softly, his hand finding yours and lacing his fingers with yours. “I’d be lyin’ if I said the thought hasn’t crossed my mind,” he admitted. “But only if you want it too. I just… I love this, our family. I love seein’ Sarah grow and thinkin’ about what’s ahead for all of us.”

You smiled, the thought of expanding your family filling you with warmth. “I love it too,” you said softly. “And I love the idea of giving Sarah a sibling someday. But… no rush, okay?”

He nodded, his gaze full of understanding. “No rush,” he repeated. “I just want us to be happy, however that looks.”

You nestled closer to him, feeling an overwhelming sense of contentment. “We already are, Joel,” you whispered. “But I love that we can dream about our future together. Whatever comes next, we’ll figure it out, just like we always do.”

Joel smiled, pulling you closer, pressing a gentle kiss to your lips. “Damn right we will,” he murmured against your mouth, his voice full of promise.

Life was passing, and you were living it. Every day you woke up feeling the most content person alive, waking up to a wonderful husband and to a beautiful daughter you both had created was the best prize you could have won.

So the time passed, and Sarah’s third birthday arrived. a day filled with laughter, cake, and the joyful chaos of a toddler’s party. The backyard had been transformed into a wonderland of balloons, streamers, and a small play area for the kids, all running around with boundless energy. Joel and Tommy were manning the grill, flipping burgers and laughing as they joked about who had the better cooking skills. You were sitting on the porch, watching Sarah play with her friends, her smile wide as she tore into the wrapping of her presents.

The sight of her beaming with happiness filled you with warmth, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. It had started earlier in the day, a subtle dizziness that washed over you while you were setting up for the party. At first, you brushed it off, assuming it was just the exhaustion of planning and preparing for the celebration. But as the day went on, the feeling persisted, a faint buzzing in your head that wouldn’t go away.

You stood up from your seat, intending to join Joel and Tommy at the grill, when the dizziness hit you again—stronger this time. Your vision blurred, and your legs wobbled beneath you. You reached out, gripping the railing of the porch to steady yourself, but it felt like the ground was shifting beneath your feet.

“Hey, you alright?” Joel’s voice cut through the haze, his hand suddenly on your shoulder, steadying you.

You blinked a few times, trying to shake the feeling. “Yeah, I’m fine,” you said, offering him a smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes. “Just… a little dizzy. Probably just need to sit down.”

Joel’s brow furrowed with concern, his hand gently guiding you back to the porch swing. “You’ve been actin’ off all day,” he said, kneeling in front of you. “Maybe you should take a break from all this. Let me handle things for a bit.”

“I’ll be okay,” you insisted, though the pounding in your head was starting to grow. You didn’t want to worry him, especially on a day like this, but the unease settling in your chest was hard to ignore.

Just then, Sarah came running over, her tiny hands grabbing onto Joel’s leg as she tugged at his jeans. “Daddy! Come see my new toy!” she squealed, her face lit up with excitement.

Joel gave you a quick look, clearly torn, but you waved him off. “Go, Joel. I’m fine. I’ll just rest for a bit.”

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching yours, before he nodded. “Alright. But promise me you’ll tell me if you feel worse.”

You nodded, watching as he stood up and scooped Sarah into his arms, spinning her around as she giggled in delight. You leaned back into the swing, closing your eyes for a moment, hoping that maybe it was just the stress of the day catching up to you. But deep down, you knew something wasn’t right.

The dizziness wasn’t going away. It was getting worse.

A few hours later, after the party had wound down and the guests had left, you were helping Joel clean up when the room suddenly tilted, and your vision blurred again. This time, the dizziness was so overwhelming that you couldn’t stop it. The world spun around you, and before you could call out to Joel, everything went dark.

When you opened your eyes again, you were lying on the couch, Joel’s worried face hovering above you. His hand was gripping yours tightly, and there was fear in his eyes that you hadn’t seen before.

“Hey, hey,” he said softly, his voice shaky. “Stay with me. I’m gonna take you to the doctor, alright? You passed out.”

You tried to sit up, but your head throbbed, and Joel gently pushed you back down. “No arguments,” he said firmly. “Somethin’s not right, and we’re gettin’ it checked out.”

You nodded weakly, the fear creeping in as the gravity of the situation began to settle. You hadn’t felt like yourself in days, and now it was clear that it wasn’t just exhaustion. Something was wrong, and as much as you wanted to stay strong for Joel and Sarah, the worry was starting to gnaw at you.

Joel pressed a kiss to your forehead, his voice steady despite the fear in his eyes.

So the next morning, you decided to go to the doctor alone. You assured Joel over breakfast that everything would be fine, putting on your bravest smile as you sipped your coffee. "It’s probably just stress or maybe… maybe even another pregnancy," you joked, trying to keep things light.

Joel wasn’t entirely convinced. His eyes followed your every movement, lingering with concern, but you pressed a kiss to his cheek and promised you’d text him as soon as you knew something. "You’ve got Sarah to watch today. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine."

As you sat in the doctor’s office later that day, waiting for your results, you kept replaying those words in your head

I’ll be fine. You wanted to believe it. You needed to believe it.

The doctor finally entered the room, a somber expression on his face. You sat up a little straighter, a nervous laugh bubbling up as you tried to break the tension. "So… what’s the verdict? Am I pregnant, or do I just need to get more sleep?"

He didn’t smile. That was your first clue.

"We ran some tests based on your symptoms," he began slowly, carefully. "And… I’m sorry to tell you this, but it’s not what we hoped."

Your heart plummeted, the air in the room suddenly thick and suffocating. "What do you mean?" you asked, your voice trembling despite your best effort to stay calm.

The doctor took a deep breath, his gaze steady but filled with sympathy. "The dizziness, the fatigue… it's not stress or pregnancy. The tests show signs of a rare, aggressive illness. I’m afraid it’s terminal."

For a moment, you couldn’t comprehend what he was saying. It felt like the words were echoing in a tunnel, distant and surreal. "Terminal?" The word barely escaped your lips.

He nodded gently. "I’m very sorry. It’s advanced, and from what we’ve seen, it’s progressed faster than we anticipated. There are treatments to manage symptoms, but… it’s not curable."

Your world shattered in that instant. Everything around you seemed to blur and slow, the weight of the news crashing down like a tidal wave. The future you had imagined, raising Sarah, growing old with Joel, suddenly felt like a distant dream, slipping away before you could grasp it.

You sat there in stunned silence, your mind reeling. Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes, but you blinked them away, trying to keep some semblance of control. You didn’t want to break down, not yet.

"What… what’s the timeline?" you finally managed to ask, your voice barely a whisper.

"It’s hard to say," the doctor replied gently. "Months, maybe a year. We’ll need to monitor closely and discuss the best options moving forward."

The rest of the appointment passed in a haze. You nodded at the right moments, accepted the information he gave you about treatment options, but none of it seemed to stick. The only thing you could think about was how you were going to tell Joel. How you were going to explain to him that your time together was now limited.

As you walked out of the office, the afternoon sun seemed too bright, too cheerful for what you had just learned. You felt numb, as though you were moving through a dream, detached from the reality that had just been placed in front of you.

You sat in your car for a long time, staring at your phone, trying to figure out how to text Joel. You had promised him everything would be fine. You had been so sure of it.

But now, you had to go home and face the hardest conversation of your life.

How were you going to tell the man you loved, the father of your child, that you were dying?

With trembling hands, you finally typed a message

On my way home:)

++++++++

You pulled up to the house, gripping the steering wheel as if it could somehow anchor you to reality.

A year.

You had a year to watch your daughter grow, to be with Joel. It felt so impossibly short, like sand slipping through your fingers. Every moment from now on was precious, but how were you supposed to tell him?

Taking a deep breath, you got out of the car and made your way to the front door. The smell of lunch wafted through the air as you stepped inside, your mind momentarily distracted by the warmth and familiarity of home. Laughter echoed from the kitchen, and your heart ached knowing how much this place had become your safe haven, filled with the people you loved most.

"Mommy!" Sarah’s excited voice snapped you back to reality as she came running towards you, her little arms outstretched.

You bent down, forcing a smile as you scooped her into your arms, hugging her tight, burying your face in her hair. "Hey, baby girl," you whispered, your voice thick with emotion as you held her a little longer than usual.

As you straightened up, you felt Joel’s eyes on you instantly. He was standing in the kitchen with Tommy and his new girlfriend, Maria, preparing lunch. His gaze locked onto yours, concern immediately flashing across his face. He knew something was wrong.

"We’ll talk later," Joel mouthed quietly, giving you a look that said he wasn’t going to let it go. He always had a way of reading you, knowing when something wasn’t right.

You nodded, your heart sinking further as Sarah wiggled out of your arms and ran back to play. Tommy greeted you with a grin, oblivious to the weight of the news you carried.

"Hey there!" Tommy said, tossing a dish towel over his shoulder. "You’re just in time for lunch. Maria made her famous chili. You’re gonna love it."

You forced another smile, but it felt hollow. "Sounds great, Tommy," you said, trying to keep your voice steady.

Maria looked up from the stove, giving you a warm smile as well. "It’s good to see you. Hope you’re hungry."

But your appetite was the last thing on your mind. You felt like you were moving on autopilot, helping set the table, making small talk, but your thoughts kept circling back to the doctor’s words. Every glance Joel shot your way reminded you of the conversation you still had to have.

Lunch passed in a blur, the clatter of plates and the hum of conversation surrounding you as you tried to stay present. But every time you looked at Joel or Sarah, your heart clenched tighter. How could you tell them? How could you face what was coming?

After lunch, Tommy and Maria offered to clean up, and you were grateful for the momentary reprieve. Joel came up behind you, gently placing a hand on your back. "Come with me," he said softly, leading you into the living room.

As soon as the door closed behind you, Joel turned to face you, his expression filled with worry. "What’s going on?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with fear. "You’ve been off since you got home."

You looked into his eyes, the man you loved more than anything, and you felt the tears welling up. This was it. There was no avoiding it now.

"Joel…" Your voice cracked, and you took a deep breath, trying to find the strength to say the words. "It wasn’t another pregnancy."

Joel’s brow furrowed as he stepped closer, his hand moving to cup your cheek. "Then what is it? What did they say?"

Tears finally spilled over as you choked out the words you’d been dreading. "I’m sick, Joel. It’s bad. The doctor… the doctor said I have a year. Maybe less."

For a moment, the world seemed to stop. Joel’s hand dropped from your face, his eyes widening in disbelief. "What?" he whispered, like he couldn’t quite process what you’d just said.

You nodded, tears streaming down your face. "I’m dying, Joel. There’s nothing they can do. It’s a terminal illness, and… and I only have a year."

The room was silent, the weight of your words hanging in the air. Joel just stared at you, his face pale, as if the ground had been ripped out from under him. "No… no, there has to be something… some kind of treatment." His voice cracked, panic seeping in.

You shook your head, your own heart breaking as you watched the man you loved fall apart in front of you. "There’s nothing, Joel. They can manage the symptoms, but… it’s only a matter of time."

Joel let out a ragged breath, his eyes filling with tears as he pulled you into his arms, holding you tightly, like if he could just hold on, it would somehow change everything. "No, no… not you. Not now."

You clung to him, sobbing into his chest, feeling the devastation in every fiber of his being as he held you. "I’m so sorry," you whispered. "I’m so, so sorry."

Joel pulled back, cupping your face in his hands as tears streaked down his own cheeks. "We’ll fight this, okay? We’ll fight this with everything we’ve got. We’ll make the most of every damn second." His voice was thick with emotion, his determination cutting through the pain.

Joel's resolve was fierce and unwavering, a beacon of strength amidst the overwhelming sorrow. His hands gently but firmly cupped your face, his thumbs brushing away the tears that continued to fall. "We’ll fight this," he repeated, his voice steadier now, a promise amidst the anguish. "I know it's not fair, but we can't give up. We have to make every moment count."

You nodded, trying to draw strength from his determination, though the weight of the reality still felt crushing. "I just want to make sure Sarah has the best memories of us," you said softly, your voice trembling. "I want her to know how much she's loved, even if I'm not there."

Joel's eyes softened, and he nodded in understanding. "She will know, darlin'. We'll make sure of it. We'll do everything we can to give her the best of us, to show her how much she means to us."

The raw emotion in his voice was palpable, and you could see the resolve in his eyes. He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to your forehead, his touch as gentle as ever.

“I won’t lose you” he whispered, to himself mostly.

+++++++++++

The house was quiet, the gentle hum of the night providing a somber backdrop to your restless thoughts. Despite the late hour, you found yourself unable to sleep, your mind racing with the weight of what you’d just shared with Joel. The sadness and anxiety seemed to follow you as you moved through the house, a heavy blanket of worry that pressed down on you.

Driven by an instinctive need to be close to your daughter, you quietly made your way to Sarah’s room. The hallway was dimly lit, the soft glow of a nightlight casting a warm, reassuring light. You carefully opened the door, trying not to disturb the peacefulness within.

Sarah’s room was filled with the soft, comforting clutter of childhood—a colorful mobile spinning slowly above her crib, stuffed animals scattered around, and drawings she’d made hanging on the walls. You stepped inside, your heart aching at the sight of your little girl sleeping so innocently.

She was nestled under her covers, her tiny chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. The moonlight streamed through the window, casting a serene glow on her peaceful face. You approached the crib quietly, your footsteps muffled on the soft carpet.

You stood there for a moment, just watching her sleep, the tears that had previously flowed now subsiding into a quiet sadness. Seeing her so calm and content was both comforting and heartbreaking. You reached out a hand, gently brushing a lock of hair from her face, your touch tender and full of love.

As you gazed at her, the reality of your situation seemed to crystallize in a new way. This precious child, so full of life and promise, was the center of your world. The thought of not being there to watch her grow up was almost too much to bear.

You took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to steady yourself. "I love you so much, Sarah," you whispered, your voice barely audible. "I’m going to make sure you know that, every single day."

The soft rustle of the door alerted you to Joel’s presence. He had followed you quietly, sensing your distress. He stepped into the room, his eyes softening as he saw you standing by Sarah’s crib. Without a word, he came to stand beside you, wrapping an arm around your shoulders in a comforting embrace.

"She’s beautiful," Joel murmured, his voice gentle, filled sadness.  

You nodded, leaning into him, the warmth of his presence a small but significant comfort. "I just… I want to make sure she’s okay. I want to make sure she remembers how much I love her.”

Joel’s breath hitched as he listened to your words, the weight of your statement crashing over him like a tidal wave. He stood silently for a moment, his arm still around you, but his grip tightening as he tried to hold himself together. The reality of the situation—the harsh truth of your illness and the limited time you had left—was almost too much for him to bear.

As your words sank in, Joel's composure began to crack. The tears that had been pooling in his eyes finally spilled over, his shoulders shaking with quiet sobs. He buried his face into your shoulder, his body trembling as he let the pain and grief flow freely.

"I can't… I can't believe this," Joel choked out, his voice breaking. "You’re not supposed to go… not now. Not when we’ve finally got everything we ever wanted."

You turned to him, your own tears mixing with his as you gently cupped his face in your hands. "Joel, I wish there was something I could do to change this," you said softly, your voice thick with emotion. "But right now, all we can do is make the most of the time we have left. I need you to be strong, for Sarah, for us."

Joel looked at you, his eyes filled with a mix of anguish and determination. "I don’t know how to be strong without you. You’re everything to me."

You wiped away his tears with your thumb, trying to offer some solace. "You have to. For Sarah. She needs you just as much as I do. We both do."

Joel nodded slowly, his sobs subsiding into a series of ragged breaths. He pulled you closer, holding you tightly as if he could somehow shield you from the inevitable. "I’ll do it," he promised, his voice hoarse. "I’ll be strong.”

You rested your forehead against his, your hearts beating in sync as you shared this painful but precious moment together. Every second between you both counted.

“Let me be with you through this. Let me go with you to the doctor and take care of you” he pleaded.

+++++++++++

You felt the warmth of Joel’s breath against your forehead, the intensity of his love and fear palpable in every touch. His words were both a comfort and a heartbreaking reminder of the reality you were facing.

"Joel," you whispered, your voice trembling, "I need you to be with me through this, too. I can’t do it alone. But I want to be strong for you and Sarah, and I want you to be strong for us."

Joel nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "I’ll be here. Every step of the way. I promise."

He gently pulled you back from the crib, guiding you to sit on the edge of Sarah's bed. He sat beside you, taking your hand in his and holding it tightly. The simple gesture of his hand enveloping yours was a small but powerful symbol of his unwavering support.

"We’ll face this together," he said, his voice steadying as he spoke. "We’ll go to every appointment, handle every treatment, and make sure you’re as comfortable as you can be. We’ll make every day count."

You squeezed his hand, a faint smile touching your lips despite the tears streaming down your face. "Thank you, Joel. It means the world to me."

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. "I love you," he murmured. "And I’ll do everything I can to make sure you know that, every single day."

You both sat there for a while, the quiet of the night punctuated only by the soft, rhythmic breathing of your sleeping daughter. In that intimate space, amidst the uncertainty and fear, you found a sliver of peace. Together, you faced the daunting road ahead with love and resilience, clinging to each other and to the hope of making the most of every precious moment you had left.

Eventually, Joel helped you up, and you both quietly left Sarah’s room, closing the door softly behind you. As you walked back to your own bedroom, you felt Joel’s steady presence beside you, and though the future was uncertain, you knew that, with him by your side, you would face whatever came with the strength and love that had always defined your life together.

++++++++

Time seemed to slip through your fingers, each day marked by the weight of your diagnosis and the ever-present pain of knowing how limited your time was. Every sunset felt like a reminder of the time slipping away—one day less to share with Joel, one day less to hold Sarah. The urgency of every moment grew more intense, and you clung to each precious second.

You and Joel had a scheduled visit to the doctor, and the tension in the air was palpable. The doctor explained a treatment plan that could help manage your symptoms and ease your pain, but the prospect of spending even more time in a hospital filled you with dread.

As you sat in the sterile, white room, Joel's eyes were fixed on the doctor, but he kept glancing at you, searching for some sign of agreement or understanding. The doctor’s voice was calm and professional, but Joel’s anxiety was palpable as he tried to take in every detail.

"You should start this treatment as soon as possible," the doctor said. "It will help manage the pain and improve your quality of life."

You shook your head, your chest tightening. "I don’t want to be in and out of hospitals. I want to be with Joel and Sarah. I want to spend whatever time I have left with them, not stuck in a hospital room."

Joel’s face reddened with frustration and concern. "But this could make things easier for you. You don’t have to suffer through the pain if you take this treatment!"

"I don’t want to spend my days in a hospital!" you argued back, your voice rising. "I want to be with my family, not lying in a bed surrounded by machines and IV drips. Every day I spend there is a day I lose with you.”

The argument grew heated, both of you caught in the clash between your desire to make the most of your time and Joel's desperation to find any way to alleviate your suffering.

Joel’s face was a mixture of anger and helplessness as he tried to make you understand. "I’m just trying to help you! I want you to be as comfortable as possible. I can’t bear the thought of you in pain."

You took a deep breath, your emotions raw. "I know you’re trying to help, Joel. But I need to live, not just survive. I want to hold Sarah, kiss you goodnight, and make memories with you. I don’t want my last days to be filled with hospital rooms and treatments. I want to be where I can be with you both, as much as possible."

The room fell silent, the gravity of your words sinking in. Joel’s shoulders slumped, and he looked away, his hands gripping the edge of the chair tightly. The fight had left him, replaced by a deep, painful realization of the limited time you both had.

Finally, Joel reached out, taking your hand in his with a gentleness that belied the struggle he was feeling. "Alright," he said quietly, his voice weary and tired.

“I don’t want you both to forget me” you said, “I need to know I was important.”

Joel’s grip on your hand tightened, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He looked at you with a mixture of sadness and determination, his voice cracking as he spoke. “You’ll never be forgotten. You are the most important person in our lives. Sarah will know all about how much you loved her, and I’ll make sure she knows how much you meant to me, too.”

You nodded, your heart aching at the depth of his words. “I just need to be sure that I’m leaving something behind—something that tells you both how much I love you.”

Joel wiped a tear from his cheek, his face softening with a pained smile. “You’ve already left us with so much. Your love, your laughter, your strength… it’s all a part of who we are. And it will be with us, always.”

You squeezed his hand, finding some comfort in his words, even as your heart ached with the reality of your situation. “I want to make sure we make every day count. I want Sarah to have the best memories of us together, of our family.”

Joel nodded; his expression resolute. “We will. Every day will be filled with love and laughter, and we’ll make sure Sarah knows how much you meant to her. We’ll make the most of this time, I promise.”

++++++++

The days that followed were a whirlwind of bittersweet moments, as you and Joel made the most of every precious second together. Despite the heaviness that lingered over your days, there was a sense of determination to fill them with love and joy for both yourself and Sarah.

Every morning, you and Joel would wake up early, watching Sarah’s tiny face light up with a smile as you all shared breakfast together. The simple pleasures of family life became even more cherished. You would spend afternoons at the park, where Sarah’s laughter rang out as she chased butterflies and played on the swings, with Joel pushing her higher and higher.

One of the things you enjoyed most was having movie nights. The three of you would snuggle on the couch, watching animated films and eating popcorn, with Joel often making silly faces to make Sarah giggle. You cherished these moments of simple happiness, knowing they would be treasured memories for your little girl.

Joel also made sure to capture these memories. He took countless photos of you with Sarah, documenting every milestone and every cherished moment. There were days filled with arts and crafts, with Sarah’s tiny hands covered in paint as she created colorful drawings that you proudly displayed around the house.

In the evenings, when Sarah was asleep, you and Joel would sit together, talking about the future and reminiscing about your past. There were tears, but also laughter, as you shared stories and dreams. Joel’s presence was a constant source of comfort and strength, and you found solace in the way he held you close, even as you both faced the reality of the time you had left.

On weekends, you would go on family outings—visiting the zoo, going on picnics, and taking long walks in nature. Joel made sure these outings were filled with joy and wonder for Sarah, creating a world where she felt loved and cherished.

As the months passed, there were moments of quiet reflection. Joel would often hold you close while watching Sarah sleep, whispering reassurances and promises to you. Even in the midst of your struggle, you found strength in the love and support of your family.

And when the time came to say goodbye, it was with the knowledge that you had filled your days with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. You left behind a legacy of warmth and affection that would continue to live on in the hearts of those you loved most.

++++++++++

the moments you shared with Joel became even more precious. Despite the looming shadow of your illness, you both found solace in each other's arms, drawing strength from the love that had always been a cornerstone of your relationship.

In the evenings, after Sarah had gone to bed, Joel would take your hand and lead you to the quiet sanctuary of your bedroom. There, you would spend time talking, reminiscing, and dreaming of a future that, though limited, was filled with love. You’d sit together on the edge of the bed, holding each other close, sharing whispers of gratitude and affection. The conversations often revolved around how much you meant to each other, the deep love you had for one another, and the life you had built together.

“I’m so grateful for every moment we’ve had,” Joel would say, his voice soft and filled with emotion. “You’ve made my life so much richer, so much more meaningful. I don’t know how I’ll manage without you, but I know I’ll carry you with me every single day.”

You’d look into his eyes, feeling a profound sense of connection and love. “You’ve been my rock, Joel. Through everything, you’ve been there for me. I’ve loved every second of our life together, and I’m so glad I got to share this time with you.”

Joel would gently brush your hair back from your face, his touch tender and loving. “I’m going to make sure Sarah knows just how much you loved her. I’ll keep your memory alive in everything we do. She’s going to grow up knowing how special you were.”

You’d smile through your tears, finding comfort in his words. “And I’ll be with you both in every step you take, every laugh, every tear. I’ll be in the memories we’ve made, in the love that we shared.”

On weekends, you and Joel would find small adventures to embark on, just the two of you. Whether it was taking a scenic drive to your favorite spots, having a quiet dinner at a restaurant you both loved, or simply sitting together in the backyard under the stars, you made sure these moments were filled with love and laughter.

One night, after a particularly special dinner where you reminisced about your favorite moments together, Joel held you close and whispered, “I love you more than words can say. I want you to know that you are everything to me. I can’t imagine my life without you, but I’m so grateful for the time we’ve had.”

You snuggled closer, feeling the warmth of his love. “I love you too, Joel. Every day with you has been a gift, and I’m so glad I got to share this journey with you. You’ve made my life so full.”

++++++++++

One evening, you and Joel had invited Tommy and Maria over for dinner. It was a comforting routine that allowed you to share joyful moments with family, despite the shadow that loomed over your days. The table was set with your favorite dishes, laughter and conversation flowing freely as you all enjoyed the meal together.

Sarah was in her high chair, delighting in the company and the food, her giggles adding a touch of lightness to the atmosphere. Joel was by your side, occasionally glancing at you with a mixture of love and concern. Tommy and Maria chatted animatedly, their warmth creating a cocoon of familiarity and comfort.

But as the evening wore on, you began to feel a growing unease. A wave of dizziness washed over you, and you tried to brush it off, attributing it to the long day and the stress you had been under. However, the feeling didn’t subside. Instead, it intensified, leaving you feeling weak and disoriented.

Joel noticed your discomfort immediately. His face tightened with concern as he reached out to steady you. “Are you alright?” he asked, his voice tinged with worry.

You forced a smile, but the effort was clearly draining. “I’m just feeling a bit off. I think I need to sit down for a minute.”

Tommy and Maria’s conversation faltered as they noticed the change in the mood. Tommy’s eyes met Joel’s, and the unease was palpable. “Maybe you should go to the hospital,” Tommy suggested gently, his voice carrying a note of urgency.

Joel’s expression shifted to one of determination. He stood up, helping you to your feet with a steadying arm. “We need to get you checked out,” he said firmly, his worry evident.

Maria quickly gathered your things, while Joel helped you into the car. Sarah, sensing the tension, looked up with curious eyes as Tommy comforted her, assuring her everything would be alright.

The drive to the hospital was a blur of anxious thoughts and unspoken fears. Joel’s hand remained tightly clasped around yours, offering both support and strength. The hospital’s bright lights and bustling atmosphere seemed almost surreal as you arrived, your strength waning with each step.

Joel rushed you through the emergency room, the urgency of the situation clear in his eyes. The doctors and nurses quickly took over, guiding you through a series of tests and assessments. Joel remained by your side, his presence a constant source of comfort amid the chaos.

As the minutes ticked by, you could see the worry etched deeply on Joel’s face. He paced back and forth, occasionally glancing at the clock as if willing time to slow down. The tension in the room was palpable, with Tommy and Maria waiting in the hallway, their faces etched with concern.

Finally, the doctor emerged, and Joel’s heart sank as he saw the somber expression on the doctor’s face. He immediately went to the doctor, his voice trembling as he asked for information. The doctor’s words were gentle but clear: your condition had worsened, and it was only a matter of time.

Joel’s world seemed to tilt, and he struggled to hold back his tears as he returned to your side. He sat beside you, his hand gripping yours tightly. “I’m here with you,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I’m not leaving.”

You looked into his eyes, feeling a profound sense of gratitude and love despite the pain you were experiencing. “Thank you for being here with me”

As you lay in the hospital bed, the room dimly lit by the soft glow of the overhead lights, you found solace in Joel’s presence beside you. His hand was still gripping yours, the warmth and strength of his touch providing a small measure of comfort amidst the uncertainty.

Joel looked at you, his eyes brimming with tears, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips. "You know," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "I keep thinking about how we first met."

You managed a faint smile, despite the heaviness in your chest. "At this very hospital," you said softly. "It feels like a lifetime ago."

Joel nodded, a chuckle escaping his lips, though it was tinged with sadness. "Yeah, I remember that day.

You squeezed his hand gently. "And now, here we are again. It's almost poetic, in a way."

Joel’s eyes filled with tears once more as he looked at you, the weight of the moment crashing down on him. "It’s just… so damn unfair. We had so much more to experience together, so many more memories to make. I thought we’d have years, not just a few precious months."

The tears fell freely now, streaming down Joel’s face as he struggled to contain his grief. He bowed his head, his shoulders shaking with sobs. "I don’t know how to say goodbye. I don’t know how to live in a world without you."

You reached out, cupping his face in your hands. "You don’t have to say goodbye yet," you whispered, your own voice breaking. "We still have these moments, these precious days together. And even after I’m gone, you’ll carry my love with you. I’ll be in your heart, in Sarah’s laughter, and in every little thing we’ve shared."

Joel nodded, trying to steady his breath as he wiped away his tears. "I’ll hold on to that. I’ll remember every moment we had, every laugh, every kiss. I’ll make sure Sarah knows how much you loved her, and I’ll keep your memory alive in everything we do."

You gazed into his eyes, finding strength in his resolve. "And I’ll be with you both, always. In the memories we’ve made and the love we’ve shared."

Joel leaned in, pressing his forehead against yours, his tears mingling with yours. "I love you so much," he murmured. "More than words can ever express."

"I love you too," you whispered back. "Forever and always."

The night wore on, the hospital room growing quieter with each passing hour. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor became a solemn reminder of the fleeting time left. Your breaths were growing shallower, each one a struggle as the weight of your condition became increasingly apparent.

Joel stayed by your side, his hand still holding yours with a steady grip. His eyes, red from crying, remained fixed on you, his face a mask of heartache and determination. He knew this was the final chapter of your journey, and he was determined to be with you every step of the way.

With a tender and measured touch, Joel reached for Sarah, who had been resting in the care of Tommy and Maria. He gently carried her into the room, her small body nestled against his chest. The sight of her, innocent and unaware of the gravity of the situation, brought a new wave of tears to your eyes.

Joel carefully placed Sarah in your arms, her soft, warm weight providing a bittersweet comfort. You looked down at her cherubic face, feeling a surge of love and sorrow. Your heart ached knowing that you wouldn’t be there to watch her grow up, but you were determined to leave her with a sense of your love.

“Hey, my sweet girl,” you whispered, your voice weak but filled with affection. Sarah looked up at you with curious eyes, her tiny fingers grasping yours. “Mommy loves you so much.”

Joel sat beside you, his hand resting on Sarah’s small back. He looked at you with a mixture of pain and gratitude. “She’s beautiful. She’s going to grow up knowing how much you loved her.”

You smiled faintly, your eyes meeting Joel’s. “Promise me you’ll tell her stories about me. About our time together, and how much we loved each other.”

Joel nodded, tears streaming down his face. “I promise. She’ll know all about you. She’ll know how amazing you were, how much you loved her, and how you made every moment special.”

As your breaths grew slower, the room seemed to hold its breath with you. Joel leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “I’m here with you,” he whispered. “You’re not alone.”

You turned your gaze back to Sarah, your voice trembling as you spoke to her. “I’ll always be with you, sweetheart. In your heart, in your dreams, and in every beautiful thing you do. Mommy loves you more than anything.”

Sarah cooed softly, her tiny fingers reaching out to touch your face. You gently caressed her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin. “Be good for Daddy. He’ll take care of you, and he’ll love you just as much as I do.”

Joel’s tears fell freely now, his face buried in his hands as he struggled to contain his grief. He took a deep breath, his voice cracking with emotion as he spoke to you. “We’ll be okay. We’ll remember you. We’ll make sure Sarah knows how special you were, and we’ll keep you in our hearts forever.”

You took a final, shuddering breath, your strength waning. You looked at Joel one last time, seeing the depth of his love and commitment. “I love you,” you whispered. “Forever and always.”

With that final promise, you closed your eyes, feeling a deep sense of peace. The love that had defined your life, the love that you had shared with Joel and Sarah, would continue to live on in their hearts, a testament to the beautiful and profound bond you had created together.

+++++++++++

The room fell into an overwhelming silence after your final breath. The beeping of the heart monitor ceased, replaced by the quiet sobs of Joel and the soft, rhythmic breathing of Sarah, who remained nestled in your arms. The gravity of the moment settled heavily on Joel, and he carefully took Sarah from your lifeless embrace, holding her close as he struggled to contain his grief.

Tommy and Maria, who had been waiting outside, came in quietly, their eyes red and their faces etched with sorrow. They stood at a respectful distance, offering their support and understanding as Joel cradled Sarah in his arms, tears streaming down his face.

Joel gently laid you back onto the hospital bed, his fingers lingering on your hand as if hoping to feel a last trace of warmth. His heart was shattered, but he knew he had to be strong for Sarah. He reached for the small bundle of joy that was their daughter, holding her close and whispering words of comfort to her.

He glanced around the room, taking in the reality of the situation. The once lively conversations, the shared laughter, and the promises of a future together seemed like a distant memory now. It was a stark contrast to the present, a heavy silence filled with the echoes of your love and the pain of your absence.

Tommy stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Joel’s shoulder. “We’ll take care of everything,” he said softly. “You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Maria nodded; her eyes filled with compassion. “We’ll help you with all the arrangements. We’re here for you, for Sarah.”

Joel managed a nod, his voice hoarse as he replied, “Thank you.”

It was all he managed to say.

+++++++++++

Joel stumbled through the front door of the house, the once familiar warmth now replaced by an overwhelming coldness. Each step felt heavier as he moved through the rooms, his heart aching with the absence of your presence. The house, once filled with laughter and love, now felt hollow and silent.

He made his way to the bedroom, the place where you had shared so many moments of intimacy and comfort. As he entered the room, the emptiness was palpable. The bed, once shared, now seemed too large and lonely. The space you had filled with your presence and love was now a void, echoing with memories.

Joel collapsed onto the bed, his chest heaving with the intensity of his grief. He buried his face in the pillow, the scent of you still lingering faintly. Tears streamed down his face as he allowed himself to fully embrace the sorrow that had overtaken him. The silence of the room was only broken by the sound of his sobs, a raw and unrestrained expression of the depth of his pain.

He clutched the pillow, imagining it was you, and whispered your name through his tears. “I miss you so much,” he choked out, his voice breaking with every word. “I don’t know how to do this without you.”

The room felt like a shrine to your memory, filled with remnants of your life together—the framed photographs on the nightstands, the soft glow of the bedside lamp, and the faint traces of your touch. Each item seemed to amplify the void left behind.

Joel’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and regrets. He replayed moments from the past—times when you had laughed together, held each other, and dreamed of a future that now felt out of reach. The memories were both a comfort and a torment, a reminder of what had been lost and what would never be again.

As he lay there, the exhaustion of the day and the emotional toll finally began to weigh on him. He knew he had to be strong for Sarah, but in this moment, alone in the room that held so many of your shared memories, he allowed himself to grieve. The night stretched out before him, a long and lonely vigil as he wrestled with the enormity of his loss.

Hours later, Joel eventually drifted into a fitful sleep, the weight of his grief a constant companion. He knew that tomorrow would bring more challenges, more pain, and more adjustments to a life forever altered by your absence. But for now, the quiet of the night and the space you had shared was all he had, and he clung to it as a bittersweet reminder of the love that would always remain in his heart.

+++++++++++++

On Sarah’s thirteenth birthday, Joel felt a mix of pride and bittersweet nostalgia. It was a significant milestone, and he wanted it to be special for her. The day had been filled with laughter, friends, and celebrations, but there was one more moment that he had been waiting for—a moment he had kept close to his heart.

After the festivities had calmed down and Sarah was surrounded by her friends and family, Joel gently called her aside. “There’s something I want to give you,” he said, his voice carrying a tender note of emotion.

Sarah looked at him with curiosity as he led her to a quiet corner of the house. He reached into a drawer and pulled out a small, carefully wrapped package. The paper was adorned with a delicate floral design, and a note was attached with a ribbon.

“This is something your mom left for you,” Joel said softly, his voice thick with emotion. “She knew this day would come, and she wanted you to have this.”

Sarah’s eyes widened with surprise as she carefully untied the ribbon and removed the wrapping. Inside was a beautifully crafted jewelry box, its surface intricately designed with floral patterns and delicate engravings. As she lifted the lid, a soft gasp escaped her lips.

Inside the box lay a locket, its surface engraved with the initials “S” and “J,” and a small, framed photo of you and Sarah, taken when she was just a baby. The locket contained two small, precious pictures—one of you, and one of Sarah as a newborn.

Sarah’s eyes filled with tears as she looked up at Joel. “I’ve never seen this before,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Joel nodded, his own eyes misty. “Your mom wanted you to have it on your thirteenth birthday. She wanted you to know how much she loved you and how proud she was of the person you’re becoming.”

Sarah carefully picked up the locket, her fingers brushing the photo of you. “Thank you,” she said, her voice choked with emotion. “It means so much to me.”

Joel pulled her into a gentle embrace, holding her close as she cried softly against him. “She loved you more than anything,” Joel said quietly. “And she’s always with us, in our hearts and in our memories.”

As Sarah held the locket close, she looked up at Joel with a grateful smile. “I’m going to keep this forever,” she said, her voice filled with determination. “It’s a piece of her that I can always carry with me.”

Joel smiled through his tears, feeling a profound sense of peace. “She would be so proud of you,” he said. “And she’ll always be a part of your life, just like she is a part of mine.”

As Sarah clasped the locket around her neck, a gentle warmth seemed to fill the room. Joel noticed a soft, iridescent glow forming in the air, gradually taking shape. His heart skipped a beat as he saw what seemed to be a delicate butterfly, its wings shimmering with a myriad of colors that danced in the light.

The butterfly hovered for a moment, almost as if it were assessing its surroundings, before it gracefully fluttered over to Sarah and Joel. It landed gently on Sarah’s shoulder, its tiny wings fluttering in a serene, almost ethereal manner.

Sarah’s eyes widened in awe as she reached out a trembling hand. The butterfly, with its captivating, almost familiar patterns, seemed to radiate a gentle, comforting presence. Joel stood beside her, his tears now mingled with a profound sense of wonder and calm.

“It’s her,” Joel said softly, his voice barely more than a whisper. “It’s really her.”

Sarah’s face lit up with a smile, her earlier sadness replaced by a serene joy. “Mom,” she said quietly, her eyes fixed on the butterfly. “It’s like she’s here with us.”

Joel nodded, his heart swelling with emotion. “She’s always with us, in every moment, in every memory. This is her way of reminding us that she’s never truly gone.”

The butterfly remained perched on Sarah’s shoulder for a few more moments before it gently took flight, circling the room in a graceful dance. It finally settled on a nearby windowsill, where it continued to flutter its wings, casting a soft glow in the dim light.

Sarah and Joel watched in awe, their smiles reflecting the profound connection they felt in that moment. The butterfly, with its vibrant colors and delicate grace, was a symbol of the love and presence that transcended time and space.

As the butterfly eventually fluttered away into the night, leaving a trail of shimmering light behind, Joel wrapped his arm around Sarah, pulling her into a warm embrace. “She’s always here, with us,” Joel said softly. “And we’ll carry her memory with us, every day.”

Sarah hugged her father tightly, her heart full of the love and comfort that the butterfly had symbolized. “I know,” she whispered. “And I’ll keep this locket close to remind me of her.”

+++++++++++++++

[hxhhasmysoul]

Have you seen this? https://www.tumblr.com/gojosbf/748604451516006400/hey-guys-what-the-fuck-is-this-who-is-voting?source=share

[That is satosugu blog (sorry).]

Just want to say : thanks so much @hxhhasmysoul. You open a new door to me, in shipping Sukuna/Itadori, and it's in the top 5 fav ships above.....As a multishipper, I never consider SukuIta until I found this blog of yours (especially your SukuIta fics recs).

I've read all SukuIta fics from your fics recs list, do you mind if I ask another fics recs? Also, thanks a lot for the Killua/Gon fics recs, really love them.....🤩

Don’t apologise for linking a SatoSugu blog, you don’t have to warn me  XD Thank you for the ask, I will be really mean, so just a fair warning.

Also it’d be pretty obvious that they are a SatoSugu blog even if you hadn’t warned me. What gives them away is that they can’t read, reading comprehension is just rare among the fans of that ship.  

They ask who voted in a ranking made based on the amount of published works on Pixiv XD

It’s even funnier no one in the notes noticed that. 

But these comments are fascinating to me.

So like 3 Gojou x Getou is reasonable but 4 Getou x Gojou is not, so it’s unreasonable for Getou to top? Is that it? 

Same with 7 and 8, it’s even funnier because the preference as to who tops is usually reverse in the western fandom XD

I’m not sure why Yuuta x Toge is not reasonable.. I mean they are the same age, right? 

Well Gojou x Utahime they disapprove on the forced straightness grounds, I mean even if they ship stsg, Getou’s dead, and Gojou could be bi… but whatever icky woman is icky.  

I mean I disapprove of shipping Gojou in general, because I think all Gojou ships are either misogyny or queerphobia, because he’s too awful to force onto other people… The dumb fascist is the only one that can be punished thusly, they are equally awful as people ;)

I guess the ships between Megumi and Toge, or Gojou and Nanami or Ijichi are pedo ships, because Toge is a year older than Megs and Gojou is at least a year older than either of them. Or is Gojou x Ijichi just simple abuse? I’d call it that. Oh, and I checked Nanami x Ijichi and that’s just clearly pedo stuff, Nanami is one year older. (Honestly this ship could be really nice, Ijichi could use a guy who can stand up for himself and actually is thoughtful)

What more can I say… Generally there being just two Sukuna ships is disappointing, people have poor aesthetic taste. No Kenny ship is also sad, especially seeing how popular Toge is and well that guy gets barely any development in the story, he’s kinda boring to me. 

As to Yuuji’s ships. GoYuu falls under Gojou shouldn’t be shipped, period. The ships with Megumi I get. Nanami and Chousou make sense too, even if they’re not my jam. But the ship with Getou… every time I see it, it makes me lose faith in humanity a little. 

___

I’m glad you got into SukuIta. More fics:

Smail just has a lot of stuff and I love most of it.

This is specifically what Smail wrote for me.

Creepy and hot trapped in spaceship smut.

Sweet and sexy Escort AU by Yuujispinkhair.

Monsterfucker Coffee Shop AU smut.

Hot Hockey Player Groupie AU smut.

Sukuna reincarnates as a cat, serves him right.

Art and short fics some very smutty.

This is one of my top 3 fics ever it was supposed to be crack but the author failed and now it's a very long fic with amazing relationship dynamics.

And another gem by the same author where Sukuna gets domesticated.

[frodothefair]

hello!! I have a few questions about hobbit relationships. For one, I've read a lot of stuff where people say that hobbit's aren't shy and have a couple partners in their lives, but I've also gotten the impression that they can be sort of conservative and private about their love lives, what would your take be on this? Would they like public displays of affection? Would they keep it in their smials? And, courting rituals/things considered romantic, what do you think that would look like? I've read that going on walks and eating food/feeding each other are pretty classic for hobbits, and also building gardens are pretty big proposals/wedding gifts, are there any other traditions you headcanon or have seen yourself? Thank you so much for having this, it helps a lot;-; expect to see more of me in the future lol!

💐 ASK ME about my headcanons about hobbits and the Shire! 💐

Ah, dearest gentle reader! Welcome to my inbox! I am so glad you have found your way to my humble abode. Have a seat, have some tea and seed cake, and make yourself at home, for in honor of the new season of Bridgerton, we shall talk about love, courtship, and marriage in the Shire! (@konartiste, I think you'll enjoy the Bridgerton parallels)

First things first. I base what I imagine to be true on Tolkien's own portrayal of the hobbits as a caricature of British country dwellers in the early 20th century. I will derive my answers from both book-canon and movie-canon.

Let’s begin with your question about whether hobbits are shy and conservative. If we go off the early 20th century rural Britain hypothesis, then the answer is yes and no. There are certainly higher standards of propriety than we are used to in our society; however, by dint of being rural and closer to the earth so to speak, they are more relaxed than, say, the denizens of a city like Minas Tirith. For instance, premarital sex is generally frowned upon, but since there are many cozy barns, haystacks, and woods, as well as dark corners in sprawling smails, you can bet that it happens anyway, and everyone knows it, but does not speak of it except in whispers.

Similarly, there is friendship and courtship, and men and women share many daily tasks and mingle easily, but there is nothing like casual dating as we understand it. Courtship almost always has marriage in mind -- which is why Rosie was unhappy with Sam for making her wait so long: if you do not see yourself marrying someone, you simply remain friends or move on, and it is improper and disrespectful to do otherwise. In addition, with regard to public displays of affection, there are at least two instances of hobbits kissing in public in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, so walking hand in hand and a light kiss here and there are probably acceptable, but certainly nothing more than that -- or else the old ladies minding their carts at the market will have a thing or two to say to your momma. (Pronounced mom-MAH).

Now, speaking of mommas, let's move on to the topic of marriage.

Based on Tolkien's family trees in the appendices of Lord of the Rings, it seems that hobbits marry only once, since there are no documented remarriages that I know of, and since hobbits are hardy and live long lives in a peaceful land of plenty, young widows and widowers are likely rare. So to answer your question about whether hobbits have multiple partners, I'm afraid I don't know where that notion comes from. Certainly, it is likely that they court multiple people in search for a love match, but it seems that once they marry, they typically marry for life. Indeed, hobbit marriages are often so successful precisely because they marry for love. Everyone in the Shire, even those of more modest means, generally have everything they need, and hobbits are not overly ambitious, so marrying for resources or protection or to climb the social ladder is not very common -- at least, those are not the main reasons for getting married, but rather a nice side-benefit.

That said, however, marriage is still considered a boon and a virtue, and most hobbits seek to get married, with bachelors and spinsters being uncommon. (Tolkien said so himself). As a result, there is something of a thriving marriage mart in the Shire, to help along those who are unable to find a mate by their own means.

The marriage mart, of course, is a far cry from that of Bridgerton in its glamor, but it does consist of a network of well-meaning mommas who talk among themselves and decide which young people might make a good match, and seek to introduce them to one another. This may involve inviting the prospective partner and their parent(s) over for tea, and having the young people socialize in that setting first, and as time goes on, encouraging them to spend more time together. In addition, the selfsame mommas often organize dinners, dances, and other festivals around Midsummer, the Harvest Festival, and Yule, and those lively occasions are unofficial opportunities for young people to dance, eat, and meet partners they would not otherwise encounter.

In general, there are three social classes in the Shire -- with the distinction between them being not-too-rigid: the working class (people like the Gamgees and the Cottons, who work the land or have a trade), the middle-class (families like the Bagginses: wealthier, conformists, may be involved in more intellectual work such as law or medicine) and the upper/ruling classes (the Tooks and Brandybucks, roughly equivalent to titled nobles, who can be as quirky as they please). Each class has its own events, and while they are not strictly segregated and it is not uncommon for the likes of Bilbo of the Old Took to have a party and invite everyone, there is generally more mingling between the upper and middle classes, and they are correspondingly more likely to marry each other.

Now, when it comes to courting on the way to marriage, there are two ways that it might begin..

At times, there is a parent (usually a momma) putting forth a child as a candidate for courtship, in which case there is the custom of inviting a prospective partner and their parent (again, usually a momma) to a meal at one's house -- or coming over to their house with food. The party initiating the courtship is the one who brings the food, and usually it is made by the prospective partner to showcase their skills as a potential spouse. After that, the other party is expected to reply with an invitation in kind -- or not. If they don't wish to court any further, they simply send a kind thank you note, but no reciprocal invitation. That way, everyone is on the same page, but nobody loses face.

And then, on the other hand, there is the self-initiated courtship, which is generally less structured. The only universally accepted signal is to ask your prospective partner to Go For A Walk. Being asked for a walk is the equivalent to being asked on a date in our world, and can generally be initiated by either party, though men are of course more often the ones to make the first move. Of note, the walk by definition cannot have a specific destination, except after a few "ordinary" walks, the courting couple might choose to have a picnic -- this would be the equivalent of going on a fancy dinner in our world. A walk with a picnic at its conclusion may also accompany milestone events, such as anniversaries or a formal marriage proposal.

Which brings me to our last topic -- the question of engagements and weddings. This can certainly be a post onto itself, so I'll try to keep it brief. I certainly agree that a garden can be an excellent engagement or wedding present, but in addition to this, hobbits do usually exchange smaller gifts of some kind as a token of their commitment: most often pieces of jewelry, either heirloom or made to order. This transcends all social classes. In general, hobbits do not use rings, because they do use their hands quite a bit at the very least for cooking, but choker style necklaces for women, and bracelets or lapel pins for men are quite common. As for the family's wedding presents, both sides strive to help the young couple set up house, and the wedding planning is a collaborative effort. Weddings generally take place in the summer, since a mass of flowers is nothing short of obligatory. Gifts are formally presented and speeches abound, and one challenge that comes with "unequal" marriages is that one side may be embarrassed if their gifts seem paltry in comparison. As a result, it is not uncommon, if there is an unequal marriage, for the more wealthy side to give the less wealthy side some funds to get more suitable gifts.

(As a fun bonus and a shameless plug, check out this excerpt my fic about the Shire's efforts at matchmaking Frodo!)

[pocket-jack]

Thinking about KidKiller as parents and I just feel like everything would be... Not as expected from them.

Let's just imagine, that some random child was found hiding on Victoria Punk, and no one can get himself to throw them down the sea, so kid just got accepted as the cabin boy. They would help with cooking, clean the ship, assist in Kid's work, give the ammo, everything the cabin boy does.

And let's just say that Kid starts to grow warm to this kid. He spends time with them, learns about their hobbies and preferences, tries to make toys and buy things they likes, etc. And he will definitely brag about this kid to Killer. He would say some stuff like "The little shit likes trinkets, can ya imagine? Oh, we need to go scavenging when we land on the other island, I wanna see what lil guy say about those knicknacks!", but Killer just keeps silent and tries to avoid the talking about the kid.

As a responsible first mate he tries to spend time with everyone on the ship, but the kid is the only person he's genuinely avoid. It almost seems like he's scared of them. So for the first days Kid just thinks that his partner is not to found of the idea of a child on the ship, but he will get used to them eventually. And when this not happen he gets angry, because know he thinks that Killer really hates that kid, so he confronts him about it.

And Killer confesses that he's scared to talk to them. Back at their home he never thought about his future, he never made plans or dreamed about anything. He just wanted to survive. Even with Kid and their dream to find One Piece he never thought about who he'll be in the future. Gosh, he never even planned to have kids! He thought he would not survive to his 18! But he did. And everything he does is just killing and making spaghetti for the crew. That just it. What kind of conversation he can have with the child? What important lessons he might teach them? Are his bloody hands even worthy to touch this child!?

But Kid stops him. He wants to say something, but can't exactly figure out what. So he gently grabs him by the hand and leads him to the child.

The first conversation happen. Kid asks them to show Killer their collection and they happily brag about every single trinket they have. Killer sits awkwardly and nervously strokes his hairs. He listens about the black feather and how the child found it in front of the scarecrow. Then the button that fall out from their jacked and they keeped it. Than the small cracked rock with the fossil in it.

Killer know got invested. He asks them about the things and some details in the stories and kid happily answers all of them. Then they asks Killer about his hobbies, and he awkwardly confesses that he knows every single way to make pasta, on which kid got all excited because "Oh my gosh, I love pasta!".

And then Killer cooks spaghetti with them. And at the end of the day Kid goes to him smailing all devilishly "Weeell?~". And Killer signs heavily "Yep. I love this little shit"

[hiwelcometothemonstersancturary]

Idk if this is an unpopular opinion, but I was hoping the smailing critters have played a bigger role considering the past promotions in C2 and so on made a big factor. Yet Dogday only had a few minutes before being killed, Catnap barely appears until the end, and the rest get a few dialogues. Plus, Miss should’ve been promoted as well as well as she feels last added. ( which also explains why not a lot of fans give her much attention)

Anon this isn't an unpopular opinion. To me, it's literally FACTS. The Smiling Critters feel shoved in, and the chapter was supposed to be all around them! And I won't lie to you, but I was SO mad at Dogday only getting a minute and a half of screentime before being killed off that I made this entire AU and settled in working on my own game out of sheer fucking spite, and I'm NOT exaggerating. You can ask @/novastellaris for proof because my love had to deal with my constant yelling about this game 24/7 before I, for the first time in years, made a full colored digital drawing and rendered it a bit.

Honestly, C3 feels like a big bucket of unused potential that is only good in virtue of actually being a horror game, unlike C2. Miss Delight should have been Catnap's right-hand or something akin to that, Dogday should have been an ally and NOT killed off, Catnap should have appeared more, etc etc. Just... Dang, dude. They just wasted all of that!

[ohheavenlyblog]

HI GUYS!!!! WELCOME TO OHHEAVENLYBLOG. ❤❤❤

a little blog owner intro,, im zach, but you can also call me elwood/everett/thorne temporarily as im using these names to go with my current hyperfixation!! my pronouns r he/him and im 15 years of age 🤯 i interact from @clarkgriswoldy . ^^

this is going to be a stim blog based around chevy chase's filmography because i am super duper hyperfixated on the guy.

i will take requests i think??? not like anyone else cares about chevy enough to send in a request. 🤑 but if you happen to like a character from a film he has been in, go ahead and send in an ask :3

this is just very self indulgent idk what else to say

MASTERLIST UNDER THE CUT ‼️‼️‼️

Ty Webb (Caddyshack)

Danny Noonan (Caddyshack)

Smails (Caddyshack)

Al Czervik (Caddyshack)

Irwin Fletcher (Fletch)

Audrey Griswold (European Vacation)

Ned Nederlander (¡Three Amigos!)

Elizabeth Farmer (Funny Farm)

Alice Monroe (Memoirs of an Invisible Man)

[basedkikuenjoyer]

Last one from the SBS, someone asked about real-world jobs for the admirals and Oda answered they'd be radio personalities. This is awesome and I think they'd all be good at it. But we do not care about that today. No no, see because we have a rare find. When the airwaves went live in Wano, who else did the people press into filling them?

What follows friends, is a brief rundown of what you can expect to hear on K-ODN, Wano's #1 radio station!

Kin'emon is your talk radio guy. Don't worry, he's not a nutter. I picture a call-in show. He opines for a bit about news of the day then opens up the smails. Often gets pranked, sometimes not realizing this is happening leads to bizarre feats of luck in them somehow translating into breaking a major story.

Denjiro partners up with Hiyori to do the actual news. Straight reporting, very matter of fact but competent. Won a local emmy for their investigative reporting.

Kiku...look, you ever seen King of the Hill? You know how Luanne has the Manger Babies? Kiku puts on a kiddie radio drama that she gets way too invested in. Does all kinds of voices herself, the kids freaking love it. It is extremely corny and saccharine though.

Raizo is your main man for the latest hit music. Total nerd for it, just the type of classic top 40 DJ you don't see anymore.

Ashura is the big midnite DJ, spinning some underground music from overseas and interviewing the seedier side of Wano like some kind of Howard Stern knockoff.

Neko is also music but more chill vibes on a sleepy morning. Takes requests but has discriminating tastes and will talk mad shit about your request if he doesn't like it. Big hit with the housewives.

Inu & Kawamatsu are your sports radio. Insightful, but ultimately banal chatter about the ins and outs of contemporary sumo and the like. Type of thing you can expect to hear on in the background of construction sites.

[child-of-of-the-sunshine]

The Cowboy and The Angel

If someone would have told Jake three ago he would be on one the most elite squads in the Navy. He would have thought you were crazy. But if you also told him he would be married to his captain's daughter, or that they had just had a little girl of their own. He wouldn’t have believed you, he never saw him as a family man until Alexandra came crashing into his life. Alex had taken her dad's place during dogfight football and just so happened to be good at it. After the squad returned, Jake had to get to know the Girl at the beach. The next time Jake saw her she was working her shift at the Hard Deck

“So I have a question for you?” He asked leaning against the bar

“Anything for the man that saved my dad and brother from death.” She laughed 

“Mavericks, your dad?” Jake asked surprised 

“I look more like my mom, than my dad.” Alex laughed again

“So the question I was going to ask was if you wanted to go on a date with me. I would like to get to know you better.” 

“Yes.” Alex said smiling 

After the date, it didn’t take long for Jake to ask her to be his girlfriend; their first deployment was the hardest. So when the squad came back no was expecting Alex to run past her dad and Bradley straight to Jake and jump into his arms 

“Someone missed me.” Jake laughed with his Texas accent coming out in full

“I did, the bed was lonely,” she said before kissing him 

Who knew Jake would now be coming home to his wife and daughter?

When the squad got off the ship just a week before Christmas. No one wanted to miss Christmas, but Jake didn’t want to miss his daughter's first Christmas either, Jake already almost missed the birth of Madison because he was flying. The only reason he didn’t was because of Penny. Penny had Maverick tell him that Alex had gone to labor while helping Amilea with homework. Maverick imminently tried to get Hangman out of sky

“Cain I need Hangman out of the sky now,” Mav said to the admiral 

“He training.” The Admiral said looking at Mav

“His wife is in labor with their daughter, and I made a promise Jake would be there.” Mav said  

It took a while to get Jake back on the ground but the second he was his truck keys were being thrown to him by Hando. Jake didn’t change out of his flight suit, Jake got there right when the doctor was telling Alex to push

“Alex, Im here.” said running to Alex’s side 

Back to the present 

The squad saw Penny, Amila, and Alex waiting once they got off the ship. Jake had a big smile on his face seeing his little family waiting for him 

“Alex go greet your husband I can hold Maddie,” Penny said smailing 

“Maddie is sleeping and I don’t want her to be cranky for the drive to Texas.” Alex said smiling 

“You guys are coming back the day after Christmas right?” Penny asked 

“Yes, we are.” Jake said 

They didn’t notice that the guys had made it to them already while Penny and Alex were talking 

“I guess we better go since I probably have packing to do.” Jake said

“Already done babe.” 

Jake leaned down to kiss Alex's forehead as a thank you and then his daughter's head 

“But I still have to pack for Maddie.” 

The next day was an early morning as they wanted to get to Texas in a day 

“Jake are you sure you can drive.” Alex asked as she was putting Maddie in her carrier 

“Yes I’m sure babe, we will switch off in El Paso,” Jake said kissing the side of her head 

One thing Jake never takes off his dash is the cowboy hat.

“You going to put that hat on?” Alex asked Jake once she got in the truck

“Maybe.” Jake smiled starting his truck 

Jake knew that Alex loved his cowboy hat, Jake started backing out of the drive of the house and soon they were on their way to Texas, with stops as needed since they do have six month old. By the time they were in El Paso, it was late. They only had a few more hours left of the drive to Jake's parent's house. Alex drove from El Paso for the rest of the drive to Jake’s childhood home. By they got there the sun was setting already by the time they made it to his family ranch just outside of Austin. Alex parked and shut it off before getting out and grabbing Maddie who was asleep,

“Go up to my old room with Maddie, mom should have pack-in-play set up for her,” Jake said as he dropped the tailgate of his truck to grab stuff 

Alex made her way into the house and then up the stairs with Maddie to Jake’s old room. Alex put Maddie down before going and helping Jake with stuff. Both Jake and Alex came back downstairs just as Jake’s youngest sister was getting home

“Where did you come from?” Jake asked his little sister 

“I was with friends, Jake.” She laughed 

“Friends okay,” Jake said sarcastically 

“Jake be nice to your little sister.” Jakes moms voice came through the house 

“I am mom,” Jake said tilting his head back

“Now weres my niece.” Jake's little sister asked

“Asleep,” Jake said

A little cry came from upstairs 

“Speaking of.” Jake laughed before heading upstairs and grabbing Maddie Jake calmed Maddie down while he was up there, it took him a little longer than it would be if they were back home in fighter town, Jake also noticed the sound machine wasn’t on which probably was why Maddie woke, the sound machine helped drown out the F-18 during the day. Even though they lived off base the F-18s would still fly over. Jake came back downstairs with Maddie who was very content in her dad's arms. 

“Maddie I know okay, you wake up in a strange room.” Jake said quietly, “That does not smell like home.” 

“Or doesn’t have an f-18 flying overhead.” Alex laughed 

Jake’s mom had come from the kitchen and was surprised to see how well Jake had a baby, not that she never thought he couldn’t be dad, just that she thought her youngest son would never sidle down with someone. But Jake Seresin was always full of surprises 

“See and just like she’s happy.” Jake said smiling 

“My baby boy is back home.” His mom said walking over to him 

“Mom I reputation to upkeep,” Jake said sounding embarrassed 

“Jake no you don’t at least not here,” Alex said trying not to laugh at her husband

“Don’t laugh me,” Jake said 

After dinner that night everyone went to bed  

It was a few days that  Jake’s little family had been back in Texas and some of his high school friends wanted to go with Jake and so did some there wives. Alex and Jake arrived where they were meeting Jake’s friends 

“Babe I’m going to get us drinks,” Alex said letting go of Jake's hand

“Hey, be careful please,” Jake said kissing her head 

Alex walked up to the bar and ordered two beers for her and Jake, Alex walked to where she saw Jake and a group of people. Once Alex was close enough. Jake grabbed her waist and pulled her close to him. 

“Guys, this is my beautiful wife Alexandra or Alex.” Jake introduced Alex 

“So you the one that roped in Jake.” A guy said 

“I wouldn’t say it was me I would say it was more of a mission.” Alex said trying not to think of the mission that almost took her dad and Bradley away from her 

“Hey don’t think about that,” Jake said quietly into Alex’s hair 

Alex just nodded 

“So how did you guys meet.” One of the other guy's wife asked

“Um, it wasn’t until I accidentally ran into him at the hard deck while trying to get to my brother,” Alex said laughing

“It was more you crashed into me.” Jake laughed

“First time he met dad he throw him out of the bar.” Alex laughed remembering walking in for a shift at the hard deck 

Flash Back

Alex was walking in for her shift when she saw her dad being thrown out by two men in uniform. Alex shook her head and walked hearing Great Ball On Fire being played by Bradley Bradshaw

“Alex, can you do those Poilets back there?” Penny asked 

“Of course Penny,” Alex said smiling before walking to the back where the piolets were singing along with Bradley 

Alex started getting in the rhythm of the song as she worked, the rest of the night when she was in the back she mostly talked to Bradley as caught up. It wasn’t until after dog fight football she actually talked to Jake

“Alex was trying to get to Bradley in the bar, but it was packed. Soon Alex feels like shes running into a solid wall

“Woah there.” A southern accent says 

“Oh my gosh im so sorry, I’m just trying to get to my brother,” Alex said looking up at the man she ran into, Alex was taken aback by the man. He had to be 6’0 at least, He had a couple of inches on her but Alex didn’t get her dad's hight 

“I might know him.” The man said 

“He is your teammate so I would hope so.” At that comment, Jake was in love with the girl he had seen at the beach.

[juneandnick]

5x04 : Dear Offred (My POV)

June and Holly are in a park. The mother pushes her daughter on a swing while she is completely lost in her thought. Suddenly they are interrupted by an unknown woman who exactly knows who they are. And dares to say: You were so lucky you were in Gilead. Now you have this beautiful, precious healthy little angel. Which is completely creepy. A sort of Serena's groupie. Which legitimately angers June.

At the psychologist's office, Luke should not have been there. His presence makes June his under control. She must be able to feel at ease, to be able to speak freely. Luke's presence absolutely does not allow her to do that. It reminds me of S4E08, when he came to the court to hear her testimony, when she did not want him there. This way that they refer to June in the third person singular, it is disrespectful.

Tuello pays June and Luke a visit: My apologies. I was, uh, tied up with internal debriefings. Which Luke asks: Internal debriefings about my kid? "My kid - My propriety". He could have say: Our kid because June is in the room too. Mark announces: Serena is free to live in Toronto in a pre-war property. She will be a sort of ambassador. June realizes that Nick was right: Politicians have their own agenda.

June is outside in her garden, lost in thought and we can hear the Gilead bells in the background. Which suggests that her mind wanders to this place where she was a handmaid. And at the same time, June received a letter addressed to Offred.

Luke decides to pay Serena a visit at the Gilead Information Center and seeks to intimidate her. Which is hardly conclusive. So he decides to change tactics: My wife is gonna kill you. "My wife - My property". Which does not seem to impress Serena. He gives her an ultimatum and hopes she will help them get Hannah back.

But Serena stays Serena and hits where it hurts: I do wonder why you never returned to Gilead to save your daughter. I mean, there were risks of course. Which your wife took and she suffered for them. Many times. Then again, she did have Nick's support. I am sure that gave you some … smail comfort knowing that.

Back at home, after considering killing Serena, June and Luke chat in the car under the rain. The way he looks at her out of the corner of his eye before asking her to see the gun. I do not like that. It is very sneaky. Since when Luke is a weapons expert? I found it so awkward the way he handled the gun. Did he watch a YouTube video too? I know he was probably trying to impress June. It was maybe his way to say her that he is supportive. Serena's words must be ringing in his head.

Before this episode, I did not know the music The Chain. I do not know if this music is supposed to be known in France. Regarding the interpretation of the lyrics, I found a very interesting comment by Socal95 on this website:

This song is more about a relationship or friendship on the verge of collapse and someone's attempts to stop it as opposed to a hateful goodbye. Things are going bad and they tell their partner that they must work to keep their bond. […] They may be at odds but they know that the chain keeping them together is important . Persevere and they may rebuild their relationship back to its former glory.

About the sex scene, I will say: pictures are worth more than words. Thanks ZalRB.

For this fiftieth episode, the episode ends with a nice wink.

As I already asked, what is wrong with W’s names in The Handmaid’s Tale? Waterford, Winslow, Wheeler and Warren (Putnam).

Should we be worried about Wharton (Rose's father)?

Music by Adam Taylor

- Who I Am Now ❤️

- With More Compassion ❤️

Source Pictures: Screenshots (by me)

[quartetofstories]

I work for a company, let's call it smail vesort company. And I'm working f&b at a location that's doing really well. Only problem is they hired heavy on the J1s and now there's to many hands not enough to do, and they've been cutting f&b labor budget slowly since the season started. And look I've done everything I can to keep them from having any reason to come in my kitchen. We all take lunches, and I've been to spaceing out who I'm asking to go home early and taking half days myself so I don't have to send the crew home and it's not the same people getting cut all the time. But there's only so much I can do. Like weve been doing so well, they straight up closed three other locations, and cut hours at 4 before we got the written heads up to keep an eye on hours. Over the course of the last weeks they cut everyone down to 35 and the crew down to 20. Well, the ax is finally coming down and they're cutting breakfast service and closing an hour early to try to fit the labor cost. They're starting the new schedule during Presidents week one of our busiest time. And my Boss has been nice enough to give me the heads up. He's been keeping me updates on the situation thr entire time and I've been doing my best to keep my guys informed but like this really kind of sucks. Corporates hope is that in cutting hours people are willing to go home and then hours can be more evenly distributed. Wich I hate that it makes sense but it kills me that like this is the way they're doing it. They have made more money this season than any other, been the most well staffed they've ever been and like the cost isn't actually that much higher than normal compared to other seasons. But there is still more labor than things to do. I've never been on this side of it and I really hate this. And I'm not allowed to say anything to my guys until next week. I feel like I really should because this feels like entrapment. We're about to put them through one of our busiest weeks but still cutting staffing and hours for everyone. The company is about to make bank while the employees are about to loose they're rent. Like what the fuck

[dearlittlefandom-stalker]

What's wild life

I AM GLAD YOU ASKED!!! 😁

(I have been going CRAZY about it.)

okay okay okay So, Wild Life is the 6th season of the Life Series, a minecraft smp where multiple players have a limited number of lives - 3 lives means they are Green, 2 lives mean they are Yellow, and 1 life (their last life) they are Red and hostile: able to kill anyone!

Each season has its own little gimmicks and stuff that add or put a spin on it, but that's the basic premise.

Wild Life's gimmick is that they have 6 lives (3+ means you are Dark Green) and every session they have a Wild Card activated!

(spoilers for each session's Wild Card so far below cut, if you are curious)

Session 1: The Wild Card is height changes. If the player crouches, they get smaller. If the player jumps, they grow larger. This led to many hijinks

Session 2: The Wild Card is hunger! Food is not food, instead food is randomized and you have to find out what miscellaneous blocks or items ARE actual food before you starve! This get re-randomized every so often. Session 3: IMMORTAL SMAILS! You are soulbound to a snail that wants to kill you so bad. The snail cannot get harmed, is always after you, and cannot be stopped. Good luck! 😅👍

Here is a wiki that further explains/explains better than I do-

So yeah! That's about it.

The Players (14 minimum and 18 max so far) are comprised mostly of Minecraft Youtubers associated with Hermitcraft, Empires smp, Evo smp, and others in that circle. Definitely encourage you to watch it! If you want to know more about each season and maybe what season would appeal most to you, hit me up! I have loved each and every season so far 💚💛❤️

[yoshistory]

i opened steam and it immedtaely started updating texas chainsaw game whithout asking and for some reason this made me smail/laugh

[al9ayf]

ᥫ᭡ 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐫 | trafalgar law x f!reader

✧ chapter 7 :: three children

｡˚ word count: 4.20k

｡˚ a/n: sorry for skipping the weekly upload !!! the schedule for this fic will be pretty bad in a bit because i’m waiting on new op chapters + new ideas !

｡˚ content warning(s) :: graphic miscarriage

｡˚ tags: @punem699, @toshirolovebot

the morning sun rises as the moon sets in the west, and you awake alone in the cold room. the star barely kisses the inside of the small house, so you are left with only darkness again. but you didn’t rise from sleep because of your loneliness; you arose because of the sound of ringing. next to your pile of clothes is your smail, and you assume that it has been ringing for only a few seconds. you get up from the mattress and started to walk over to it, only to stop in your tracks when you realize law has left his hat.

you bent down to pick it up, wanting to take a closer look at it. law has either accidentally or purposefully left his hat here. you couldn’t tell. you smile at the thought of it and then continue to walk to the pile of clothes. the ringing stops when you pick up the call, and it is none other than your advisor calling.

“my queen, i apologize for calling you so early in the morning,” he says.

“there’s no time for apologies, eddard, just tell me about the situation in onigashima. i’d like to return already before anybody realizes i’m gone,” you say, putting on your clothes again.

“right—kaidou and big mom have joined forces after fighting all night. they were asking about you earlier, but i told them you were asleep and would not like to be disturbed. they do expect you to join them for lunch.”

“then, i’ll be there soon.” you hang up the call before he can say anything else. you have more than enough time to have a bath, get dressed, and enjoy breakfast before the two emperors expect you. once you finish putting on your clothes, you head to the bathroom and gather your jewelry and accessories that you left there last night. you take a glance in the mirror as you do so, and you scrunch your nose when you see how messy and unkempt you look. but there’s nothing you can do about it now, so you leave the bathroom and grab law’s hat and your smail. you exit the home and find morgul already awake and waiting for you.

then you hear a roar, and you look up above you to see drago flying around. a smile creeps on your face, and you quickly get on morgul to head back to onigashima. you are thankful that she takes a more remote route to head back there, and with drago by her side, you are hidden well from the people down below. you arrive in only a few minutes, and morgul lands in the field closest to one of the entrances. your guards bow when they see you jump off morgul and then open the doors for you to head inside.

eddard is waiting for you with eira by his side. “welcome back, my queen,” she says, bowing. “would you like me to draw a bath?”

“immediately,” you say, walking past her. she looks at the hat in your hands as you make your way down the hallway, then back at eddard. he catches her eye and then looks back down the hallway. you have disappeared.

eddard walks over to the table in the middle of the room and grabs a wine glass. he opens a bottle and starts to pour. “this early?” eira asks, walking up to him.

“it’s never too early to have a glass of wine,” he says. “my conscious calls for it, knowing that i might not have a chance within the next week to drink it again.” he takes a nice, long sip and sighs in delight after.

eira only shook her head and decided to switch the topic. “that hat, it seems familiar…” she said. “do you think—“

“the night we set sail to wano, i was heading to our queen’s quarters when i spotted trafalgar entering her room,” he says, cutting her off. “… i’m not too surprised to see they found comfort with each other again last night.”

“but i fear for her laying with a pirate captain…”

“have trust in our queen. she will be the first to know if he’s playing tricks on her,” eddard looks at her and smiles. “if anything, she’s the charming one here.”

eira only nods her head before turning around and leaving him to his thoughts and wine. she arrives at your bedroom door and knocks three times. “come in, eira!” you yell. she enters and quickly shuts the door behind her. you’re sitting on your lounge chair with a robe on and your hair all a mess. the hat sits beside you, and eira takes a glance at it. you catch her but don’t say anything about it. she walks over to the bathroom and starts to draw the bath water, making sure that it is warm enough before you head in. you stand in front of the tub, and eira helps you take your robe off. you get in and move yourself to the far edge of it so you can stretch your legs and relax.

the claw-foot bath sits in the center of a big bathroom. its tiles are pastel-colored and patterned, some of them even forming images of dragons and stories. the bathroom itself is a beauty and a work of art. it is fit for a queen such as yourself. you then think to yourself that you might renovate your bathroom back at dragonskeep to look like this.

eira draws a bucket of clean water and sits down behind you. your eyes are shut, and your arms are comfortably resting on the sides of the tub. she starts to wash your hair with soap and water. as she washes, she looks at your chest by slightly moving her head to the side. her eyes widen at the sight of hickeys, and her cheeks become warm. you often enjoy the company of men and women in your bedroom, but not once have you allowed them to leave marks on you. eira isn’t surprised about your sex drive. she is only surprised at the fact that you let somebody besides your late husband leave those marks on you again. she feels as if this relationship isn’t just about sex but something more.

you feel her eyes on you, and you can only hum and smile. “you’re staring,” you say.

“apologies, my queen…” she murmurs.

“i know you’re not truly sorry,” you open your eyes as you sit up. you turn around to face her shocked face, and you rest your arms on the tub again.

“my queen?” she asks, unable to reply.

you laugh. “eira, what are your thoughts? you know you can be open with me, right? you’re my best friend…” she relaxes once she hears your words.

“you love that man, don’t you?” she asks. her words are bold, and you find yourself at a loss for words. but then a smile forms on your lips.

“i’m not sure… time will tell.”

“and him being a pirate captain doesn’t affect anything?”

“no, eira,” you say as you turn around again, giving her your back. “when you fall in love, nothing will come in the way of your heart. you will understand one day…”

she smiled at your words and then continued to wash your hair. maybe after this war, she will find somebody to love if they stumble into her life.

—

the table has no weight limit, it seems. there is so much food piled on it that you barely know where to start. you keep to your glass of water and allow big mom and kaidou to eat it all. you find that you have lost your appetite at the sight of the room. you came to this lunch meeting expecting to deal with the straw hats, but you only feel sick to your stomach when you realize this alliance came to be because kaidou and big mom want to rule over the world. and once conquered, they will become your enemies. they will not need you anymore, and take your throne as theirs.

you won’t let that happen. you will be the one to rule. you will be the one to conquer. you will be the queen that shall sit on the empty throne. only you. you feel your stomach churn and hurt at the thought of the two of them not needing you anymore. no, they will be defeated before that will happen. it can’t happen. you are on their side. you reach for your water and drink it fast to help calm yourself. you tend to go a bit mad when somebody threatens your throne. you can’t crack like this.

after setting your cup down, you join in on the laughter between the two of them as they joke about ruling the world. you lie and say that you’re happy for them since the emperors becoming allies with each other helps your cause and their cause and that it is quite difficult when they are at each other's throats. the two agreed with you before continuing to eat.

you will be the one to kill both of them.

—

you leave for the mainland again the next day, dressed in the same traditional garments and mask you wore the first time when you attended one of the alliance’s meetings. you scour the surroundings to find where the alliance is, but you find nobody in their usual spots. you become confused when there is nobody in sight, but then drago suddenly screeches and heads in a different direction from where you were looking. you turn your head to see law’s crew nearby one of the hideouts, but he isn’t with them. drago lands in front of them, and you get off of him. they greet you, and you greet them back with a gentle smile on your lips.

“i came to talk with your captain, but i see he’s not with you,” you said. “where is he?” they all looked at each other, which made you a bit suspicious.

“we’re not sure where he is. he said he had things to do—“

“your captain won’t tell you where he’s going?” you ask, almost interrogating them. drago snarls at them, and you can sense their fear. you feel bad, so you raise your hand, and he stops. “my apologies…”

you feel disappointed at their obvious lie. you don’t know why they’re lying to you, but you don’t want to seem like a threat to them. as you turn to mount drago again, bepo comes forward and calls for you. you turn your head to him and see that he is crying.

“captain sacrificed himself for us!” he cried.

“you’re making it seem like he died, dumbass!” penguin smacked him across the head, and bepo rubbed the spot to soothe the pain. you furrowed your eyebrows and frowned. sacrificed? you stepped away from drago and walked up to the two of them.

“what happened?” you asked, clearly upset.

“captain turned himself in for us,” he said, moving away from bepo. “he’s being held at the prison at the flower capital.”

“do the straw hats know?”

“we weren’t supposed to tell anybody.”

“well, i’m glad you told me,” you grabbed his hands and held them. “i promise you, if he’s not out in time for the fire festival, i’ll burn that prison down and save him myself. but if he does get out, let me know immediately.” penguin can only nod his head, and you smile at him. you bid the crew farewell before getting back on drago and leaving to find the rest of the straw hats. your heart breaks at the thought of him in prison, and you know you have to stop your thoughts from taking control of you. you can’t do rash things, or you will risk everything.

—

you haven’t been well ever since you heard about law’s imprisonment. you haven’t been able to keep food down, and you like to spend most time in your bedroom, alone, with only pajamas on and your hair undone. you’re a mess and mostly only leave to have dinner with kaidou and big mom, but you’re usually drinking a glass of water or wine. but you really can’t eat. you’re too nervous. even your dragons can sense that you’re sick, and you can feel their unhappiness because of it.

your handmaids bring you some food so you wouldn’t end up starving yourself, and for everybody’s sake, you try to eat most of it. but everybody could tell that the longer law stayed in prison, the longer you stayed depressed. you know that you needed to snap out of it, fast.

you started the day with a bath and your handmaidens dressing you and styling your hair. you put on new jewelry that you bought in the flower capital but still kept your wedding ring on your right ring finger. you would never change it. then you had breakfast, and for once in the past two days, you ate all of it. everybody was relieved. the rest of the day continued as normal. you attended meetings you had with your advisors and hand and even worked on things outside of wano that dealt with your kingdoms and countries. it was good to resume a daily routine.

when dinner time approached, you decided to spend some of your free time with your dragons. they seemed relieved to see that you were okay, and you noticed a better attitude from them. it was good that they were happy as well. when you were ready to head back inside, eddard came running out to find you. he stopped a few feet in front of you and started panting. you waited for him to catch his breath which took a good minute.

“m-my queen,” he huffed.

“well? what is so important that you lost your breath over it?” you asked, smiling a little.

“trafalgar is with his crew! he managed to escape…”

you felt a sense of relief wash over you. your heartbeat quickens, and you find yourself dropping your smile and turning around to mount drago immediately. you needed to see him.

“where is he?” you ask, sitting on the saddle.

“kuri,” said eddard. “my queen, are you sure about leaving?”

“i need to see him, eddard. i must.”

you looked at him one last time before drago flew off. you flew west to where kuri was and started to scan the area once you saw land up ahead. kuri was small, so it didn’t take you much time to find where he possibly might be. you looked around with determination surging through your body. adrenaline pumps through your veins, and anxiety rises to your head. you feel unwell again, but you assure yourself knowing that it will all go away once you find him.

drago turned around to fly over the town again, and that is when you spotted him; alone, walking, all bloodied from whatever torture he had to endure. drago lets out a loud screech which catches law’s attention. your dragon blocks the sun as he flies above him and then does a swift landing in front of him. you don’t move, though. you grab the horn of the saddle, which is in a shape of a dragon head, and lean down a little to see him a bit better. tears form in your eyes the second you two make eye contact. your sickness washes off of you as you jump into a pool of pure relief.

you get off drago immediately and run to law. as soon as you are close to him, he extends his arms out just a little, and you crash into him, crying. you’re careful as you hug him, not wanting to hurt him even more. law keeps a hand on the back of your neck, bringing you even closer to him. the both of you stand there hugging each other for a few seconds; the only sounds are your muffled cries against his clothes.

suddenly, you felt law’s grip on you loosen as he buckled to the ground. you caught him before he could fall and you gently brought him down to his knees so the both of you could sit on the ground. he was breathing heavily suddenly. drago came up to both of you and let out sounds that showed that he was concerned.

“what did they do to you?” you asked, your voice almost cracking.

“it doesn’t matter,” he managed to say. you didn’t want to push him further on the topic. you just let him take his time trying to regain his stamina before even attempting to stand up again. once he was able enough, you helped him back up to his feet. you helped him up on drago, and the both of you took off flying towards the house you both spent the night in a few days ago. it was too risky to take him back to onigashima even though you would feel better with him resting there. you were going to have to help him here.

once you arrived, you helped him down, and the both of you entered the house. you led him to the bathroom and helped take off his clothes but let him do the rest so you could grab the bucket from the other room. it still had water in it, so you picked it up and headed to the bathroom. law was looking at himself in the mirror, looking at all the bruises and cuts he had suffered. you set the bucket down right as he moved away from the mirror to sit in the tub. you grabbed a rag and sat down next to him on the edge of the tub. you dipped the rag into the bucket of water and started to clean the blood off of his chest.

you look at his face and catch his eye. he manages a faint smile that almost brings you to tears again. you look back down at his chest. “i was so scared,” you said.

“you should have more trust in me,” he said. “i was only in there for a few days.”

“trust isn’t the issue, law. i was ready to burn that prison down just to get you out of there,” you looked back up at him. “i’m worried about going forward with this plan. you mean a lot to me, and this whole situation just—” you stop yourself when you feel your stomach hurting again. law noticed your discomfort and grabbed your hand, snapping you out of it.

“are you okay?” he asked, moving his hand away.

you smiled at him. “yeah, i’m alright.”

you continued wiping the rest of the blood off with the rag until there was none left. you placed the rag on the edge of the tub and sat behind him. law turned his head to look at you, but you only moved it back and ran your fingers through his hair to find any injuries. he hissed in pain when your fingers brushed over a few of them, and you quickly apologized.

you wet another rag and used it around his head. his blood was dry, so it took a while to get it all off, but you didn’t mind. law felt relaxed under your touch and even shut his eyes. you were happy to be alone with him like this again. just the two of you in a comfortable silence as you cleaned him up. the both of you were enjoying it even though this was happening under rough circumstances.

right as you were finishing up, your stomach started to hurt again. it felt more like cramps this time, really painful cramps. you dropped the rag and fell back onto your butt as you placed a hand on your abdomen. the pain was getting so intense that you felt a cold sweat covering your body almost instantly. it was a pain you couldn’t describe, but a pain that was all too familiar. but you were so focused on it that you couldn’t think of anything else. when law heard you moaning in pain, he quickly turned around and looked at you. you were leaning up against the wall, clutching your stomach with both hands at this point, pushing on it to relieve some pain.

“y/n? what’s wrong?” he got up from the tub and quickly grabbed a towel to wrap it around his waist. you don’t answer. you can’t answer. as each second passes, the pain becomes more unbearable. you start crying. your tears won’t stop flowing as you try your best to find a position that will lessen the pain, but nothing is working. law bent down beside you and placed a hand on top of yours, trying to find any sort of problem just by examining your physical symptoms. but he is also confused.

“it hurts!” you cried. “it hurts so bad!”

“please, y/n, let me help—“ you cut him off by pushing him away and shaking your head. he takes a few steps back to give you space, but he feels a chill go down his spine. this isn’t right.

you suddenly felt a wetness between your legs. it comes fast, and it doesn’t stop coming. it’s a lot, and it starts to make a small pool beneath you. law looks down at your legs and sees blood. it spreads from your position and goes in between the tiles of the floor, going right toward him. but he doesn’t move. he’s stuck. your disheveled and shocked appearance forces him to stay where he is, staring at your breakdown.

“is that… your period?” he asked, not knowing what else to say.

“this isn’t a period!” you snap at him. “i’m not supposed to have my period!” in the midst of your pain and crying, you start stripping out of whatever clothes that cover the lower half of your body and throw them somewhere in the bathroom. your underwear is soaked in blood, and you painfully take them off and throw them with the rest of your clothing. the blood never stops coming out of you, and you watch in horror as some tiny clumps come out of it.

law bends down beside you again. “you need my help,” he says. “you need to get out of this bathroom, y/n.” his voice is stern yet concerned, but you’re in such a panic you swat his hands away when he reaches out to hold you. you’re not accepting his help. you’re too scared for his help. you’re scared for yourself. law doesn’t know what to do, so he leaves the bathroom to find a clean towel to use or anything like that. but it hits him what this is; what you’re going through right now.

your cries echo out from the bathroom, but law, again, cannot move. he is too shocked to move. he doesn’t want to go back in there, but he has to, for you, even though you do not want him there. he needs to make sure that it might be what he thinks it is. he needed to. law grabs an extra towel and quickly comes back. your cries and moans come to an end as the rest of the blood and clumps stop. your stomach is no longer in pain, but you are traumatized by the events that you cannot move. you know this all too well, and you feel the tears form in your eyes. law feels sick to his stomach.

your chest rises and falls fast. you turn to law, and he is standing at the doorway with a horrified look on his face. you frown immensely to keep yourself from crying again.

“you know what this is, don’t you?” you whisper. your voice is so weak and so broken. law feels his breath quicken and his heart beat faster. he doesn’t want to admit it, but both of you know. you need to hear his confirmation. you need to hear it.

“it’s a miscarriage…” he says.

you look at him one last time, then at the mess in between your legs. you tilt your head and break down again. your wails echo throughout the bathroom and the house. it reaches drago, and he cannot help but feel sorrow in his body; the pain you are suffering. law shuts his eyes at the sound of your crying. this counts as the third child you lost, the third heir. and it was his. you admitted that you hadn’t been with anybody in a long time until that night on the ship over two weeks ago. and then his heart breaks. this was his child.

the child you could have had. it wasn’t alive, but knowing that you could have had a chance to bear another child killed you on the inside. it killed law. you didn’t deserve this. you didn’t deserve to lose three children within seven years. you didn’t anger the gods. the curse that has been bestowed upon you is one no woman wishes to carry.

law can only feel grief for what could have been.

ch. 8 !

[fear-my-giggles]

That comment did get a giggle out of Bee as she looked over the snails “hmm I thought that was just for tortoises” she eyed a small smail with colorful swirls painted on the shell. She coaxed the snail into her hand ever so gently, cooing “oh come on little one. I promise not to drop you”

Once she had the snail in hand, she carefully placed it with the others on the track. She smiled and looked to Gaster “may I ask what happens next?”

Surface

@fear-my-giggles Legacy. In accordance to the monsterkind, this was his legacy. The core. His “magnum opus.” The geothermal and magic powerplant had provided the underground with light and energy for the centuries they were down here, cobbled together from what resources they could muster and the human’s trash. It was one of his greatest works. And now, it was almost unneeded…almost. 

They were free from their prison, and he, from his. He was back from the place between worlds, from the void, from the dead…almost. Monsterkind was now free, able to feel the breeze and the sun once more and mingle with the humans. And he was down here. But, now, by choice. The core still needed maintained. It was the truth, but sometimes he just came down here to think. The world had changed much since they were sealed down below. It wasn’t the middle ages any more, and after years of nothing but darkness, it was even more hectic and loud. 

The humans hadn’t changed much. They had progressed and no longer carried weapons and staffs, the knowledge of magic and souls had to be re-learned, but that ever-present fear was still there. Dangerous, but still amusing. Some still flinched at the fuzziest monster, much less an almost 12ft spikey thing such as him. He agreed with asgore on this, the mass wasn’t ready, not for him. 

And so he stayed mostly out of sight, roaming the shadows, staying between homes and down here, keeping up maintenance with the core and the few monsters still down here. 

[t4tstarvingdog]

Your love language is biting :F I am biting back :F :F :F

itss trueee i loev to bite :F