Sunlight through the gauziest linen – that’s how it’s done, right? A little bit of golden hour magic and a whole lot of cozy feeling here at home today. Coffee cup in hand, world outside (mostly) forg...

Here you are then. Not exactly surprised to see us, perhaps. Didn’t expect quite so much grey today either, did you? The light has been particularly muted lately - reflects pretty well, though, doesn’t it? This wool coat – always this one. Reliable enough, even if it does mean feeling a touch bundled up all the time, like we do. Like we should be bundled up, anyway. It feels familiar, this texture, the way it brushes against the sleeve when you shift slightly, almost imperceptibly.

It was a good dinner, wasn't it? Mostly. Your mother didn't object too loudly about the wine being drunk, which is progress. Though she did give us that look again, after you praised her roast pheasant. A hint of disdain, surely? Or maybe just habit. We haven’t had many of those lately, have we? Fewer than expected, certainly.

You're staring, aren't you? Always observing. A slight tightening around the mouth, eyes a shade brighter than usual. Nothing alarming, nothing dramatic... yet. Just quiet curiosity. As if you’ve forgotten how to ask the obvious question for a while.

Remembered tonight, then? That night by the sea? Before the rain, before the argument, before everything felt less certain. There used to be more certainty, hadn’t there? More laughter. Less of this particular stillness.

This dress isn’t terrible, actually. Comfortable. Simple. Unlike ourselves sometimes. Let’s not overthink it. Just breathe.

So, yes, you’re gazing. And we’re watching you back. A flicker of something – hope? Resignation? Maybe just a need to know whether we should stay still or move closer. Now, smile, then. A real one this time.”

Let us know: Do you like the tone? Would you like us to tweak anything - perhaps a bit more wistfulness, or a dash more defiance? 💫