I ended up saying thank you again.

“What is it? Did you have a bad dream?” his voice, a soothing balm, reached me through the darkness.

I merely shook my head, tears streaming down my cheeks. His arms enveloped me, a sanctuary of warmth and reassurance. “It's okay. Everything's okay. It's okay” he whispered, as if repetition could mend the fractures within me.

I released myself from his embrace, our eyes locking in a silent exchange. “Thank you for loving me” I murmured.

His gaze softened, teardrops mirroring my own. He held me once more, his touch tender against my hair.

I ended up saying thank you again

What if my thank you becomes a burden to you as well?

What if it eventually becomes a painful memory for you?

The thought of it made me afraid, and so I cried again.