Love fern

In the midst of the most terrifying time to be alive, I found my twin flame. Do you believe in soulmates? You told me once years and years ago that you did, that we were drawn back together again and again and that meant something. Some nights I forget reality and wake up in a cold sweat, thinking myself to still be living a hell almost forgotten. And then you nuzzle my neck, kiss my forehead and the bad dreams melt away.
Let’s always dance in the kitchen. Let’s always want to be in each other’s way while we’re cooking. It’s been a year, over a year, since you walked back into my life. A small part of me is still waiting for reality to change, the other shoe to drop. Shouldn’t we have had a fight by now? Isn’t this the part where you get sick of me, or I discover I hate your snoring really, or you decide my cat is a dealbreaker? In contrast to my learned truths, you tell me I’m beautiful every day. I squeeze your arm and drift off before I’m bothered by your snores. You and my cat are more in love with each other than should really be fair.
I’m so glad I never settled. Looking back, it was so close, the skin of my teeth really that I didn’t drift into life with someone just to be settled. I’ve seen it happen to those around me, people who were perfect for a moment but grow bored once reality sets in. I wonder how those women live every day, do they regret it? Wonder what they missed? Or like I once did, do they just settle into a dull grey existence and forget that color ever existed. It’s funny, most of the people who have ever tried to tear me down live that way now. Poor things.
Now we’re building a garden in the hotel. Building forts for the cat and listening to music while we cook. He bought me a fern but we quickly discover it will get eaten if we’re not careful to put it somewhere where inquiring paws can’t reach. I don’t question or wonder, I can trust that this love is real and can last.
The whole world is unraveling around us, and yet here I am the happiest I’ve been in a very long time. When this is all over and we can go out again we’ll face the world together. And for now, I’m happy to stay in and water these plants.