When Tsubaki finally woke up in the crack of dawn, she was sore all over. Even when she wanted to shift slightly it would cause her to groan in pain. She rubbed her eyes, trying to adjust her sight in the darkness.
Ren was still sleeping beside her. His breath was slow and steady. His strong arms enveloped her in a tight embrace. She could feel his hot breath against her head.
Tsubaki raised her head to look up at her husband. Ren was so unrestrained last night. She didn't understand why but it was clear that something was bothering him after she told him about her nightmare.
She could feel his fear and uncertainty. And instead of telling her about it, he expressed it through his actions.
Tsubaki removed her hand that was resting on his chest, she reached out for his face. She caressed his cheek gently. A small smile bloomed on her face. She felt better after opening up to him last night. The fear was still there but it had subsided.
"..."
Ren felt a warm touch on his face. He lazily opened his eyes. Tsubaki was smiling at him. She looked radiant, much more radiant than usual.
"You're awake?" Ren returned her smile. He still couldn't open his eyes properly. Sleepiness was luring him to dreamland.
Tsubaki just smiled as she moved closer to him. Ren swiftly snaked his arms around her tiny waist. He sighed blissfully against her head. He could hear her heart beating, bringing a sense of calm and peace after a night of ordeal inside his mind.
"I was too forceful last night. Forgive me, love," Ren smiled bitterly when he recalled how he behaved last night. He couldn't hold himself back even when he heard her begging for mercy under him. He wasn't in his usual state of mind.
"It's okay, dear," Tsubaki chuckled. She looked up and pecked his chin. "Go to sleep, it's just 5 AM. It's rare for you to have a chance to sleep in."
Ren nodded lazily. He secured her in his embrace before sleep reclaimed his consciousness.
Tsubaki too nestled close to him in his embrace, savoring the sweet feeling of being together with him. As she was still thoroughly exhausted, it wasn't long before she fall back to sleep.
The sun was shining brightly the moment Tsubaki finally woke up hours later. In her dazed, she realized her nightgown had been changed to a set of clean clothes. Her hair was slightly damp yet it carried a sweet aroma. She didn't expect that she'd hadn't woke up even for a second when Ren was bathing her. The bedsheet also had been changed to a clean one.
Unlike last night, when she found no one was beside her, the fear and loneliness were no longer there. Tsubaki quietly got off the bed and went to the bathroom to wash her face. The windows were opened to allow fresh air in so the chilly air of the mountain lowered the temperature inside the cabin. Tsubaki was grateful her husband had dressed her in a warm outfit.
Tsubaki went downstairs as her eyes looked around the cabin. It had rustic feeling to it. She felt so cozy and comfortable here even though she was away from the civilization. Earthy colors made up almost the interior of this place.
"Dear?"
Tsubaki called out once she stepped on the last stair. The cabin was quiet. Occasionally she could hear the rustling of leaves and birds chirping from the opened windows. Tsubaki looked around in the kitchen but he was not there. But the food under the cover was still warm, indicating he was here moments ago. She tried her luck in the living room but it was fruitless too.
En?
Tsubaki noticed the sliding doors of the side porch were opened. The white curtains flailed as the wind blew past them. She quietly walked over to the porch and peeked outside. Her lips curved up when she finally found him. Ren was sitting on a couch, staring at the scenery of mountains before him.
"Hubby?" She called out.
Tsubaki raised her eyebrows when Ren didn't response to her. It was like he was deep in thoughts. His gaze vacant and looked sorrowful. Holding the hem of her sweatshirt, she went to him. Even when she was already beside him, Ren didn't react.
"Dear?" Tsubaki reached out one hand, lightly patting his shoulder.
Ren was startled as he turned his head. Tsubaki quickly retracted her hand when she saw the look on her face.
"Ren? Are you okay?" Tsubaki asked worriedly. He didn't look good.
Ren smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. He stretched his long hands and pulled his wife to him. Tsubaki fall on his lap. She obediently nestled her head under his chin. Her slender fingers grabbed the lapels of his jacket.
"I've cooked brunch for you. You haven't eat, right?" Ren asked. He lowered his head to look at his wife.
Tsubaki shook her head. She looked up to met his eyes. "I just woke up. I searched for you in the kitchen but you're not there. How long have you been here? It's quite cold outside."
As she spoke, Tsubaki raised one of her hands and placed it against his cheek. His skin felt cold to her touch. She raised another hand and rubbed his face with her thumb, trying to give some warmth to him. Her actions brought laughter out of his mouth.
Ren pinched her nose. "Come! Let's eat. If Grandma knows you haven't eat at this time, I'm sure she would slaughter me."
Tsubaki bursted out laughing. "Okay! Okay! I'll listen to you."
Ren smiled. As his eyes fell on her laughing face, complex emotions stirred in his mind. He was still troubled by what Tsubaki had told him. He wanted to ask yet he was so afraid.
Even when she didn't remember what happened on the night of the accident, he was still afraid. What if when she finally remembered and his guess was correct, she would once again go through the heartbreaking ordeal? He would never be ready for her to recall the feeling.
He tightened his hold around her, trying to calm his heart.