"Here, have some meat." Kaelith heard his wife, Sana, say softly as she leaned toward him, placing his favorite cut of roasted meat onto his plate.
He looked up at her, a small, grateful smile touching his lips, despite the tension that lingered between them, he found himself momentarily lost in her familiar presence.
He nodded, returning her smile, and picked up his fork, bringing the meat to his mouth. "Thank you," he murmured, the words quiet but sincere.
The savory taste spread across his tongue, but it wasn't the food that eased the knot in his chest, it was the realization that despite everything, she was still here, still loving him like she always did.
When he had first arrived, he had been taken aback by how warmly Sana's parents had greeted him. They welcomed him with the same affection and care they always had, fussing over him, asking about his health, and urging him to eat more.
