i think i am asleep. but i am moving. i open my eyes, and i am being placed on my bed by my boy, who is trying to be very, very careful in not dropping me and not waking me up. everything seems hazy; i am very tired. but he just smiles at me as he pulls the blankets up to my chin.

the room is quiet. he kneels down next to the bed and takes my hand. i am drifting in and out and in. he watches me in silence for a few more minutes, before i wake myself enough to open my eyes and smile at him softly.

"i love you." it takes a lot of effort to form coherent words, but it seems important right now.

and it is worth it. he smiles at me, his beautiful smile, the one that makes my world stop and he reaches down to push a strand of my hair back. the look in his eyes is enough to make me happy.

"i love you, too," he says. "i'm going to stay here until you fall asleep."

"really?" i ask. it seems a simple gesture, but i can't tell him how much it would mean to me.

"i promise," he says softly, and i can tell he means it. i close my eyes again. i wish he could stay with me. i feel so happy, so content right now. i am tired and warm and falling asleep with my boy watching over me.

perfect moments. what would i do without him?