Stacy paused outside the apartment door, her hand on the knob, her breath tight. She forced herself to smile—the kind that didn't reach her eyes—and pushed the day down, deep enough to fake normal. Zoe didn't deserve to carry any of this. Not tonight.
She opened the door.
"Stacy! You're just in time—dinner's ready!" Zoe called from the kitchen, beaming as she placed the last dish on the table.
Stacy stepped in, closing the door gently behind her.
"Smells incredible," she said, her voice softer than usual—too soft, maybe.
She walked to the table and took her seat like always, but her eyes lingered on Zoe a beat too long. Like she was trying to memorize something.
"Tutoring gig today?" Zoe asked as she sat down. "You're home later than usual."
"Yeah, something last-minute. I didn't want to say no." Stacy looked down at her plate. "You know how it is."
Zoe gave her a warm smile. "Well, I'm glad you're here now."
Stacy looked up, met her eyes. Something in her chest twisted.
"Did you miss me?" she asked, voice light but slightly strained.
"Always." Zoe's answer came without hesitation, full of the kind of love that makes staying feel impossible... and leaving worse.
Stacy reached for her hand. Her fingers were cold.
"Then let me make it up to you."
Zoe arched an eyebrow, teasing. "Oh? How exactly?"
"Tomorrow's Sunday." Stacy forced a little brightness into her tone. "Let's go out. Just us. Dress up, eat something too expensive. A real date. What do you think?"
Zoe lit up, surprised and excited. "Yes! God, yes—it's been forever." She laughed. "You sure we can afford it?"
Stacy's smile faltered for half a second, then returned.
"We'll make it work. Just this once."
She didn't say we'll have other chances. She couldn't.
Zoe leaned in and squeezed her hand. "You're acting all romantic. Should I be worried?"
"You should be flattered." Stacy said it like a joke, but her eyes had gone distant.
The night stretched around them like a fragile thread—laughter, warmth, and a love so full it hurt—and Stacy held it all close, knowing she wouldn't get to keep it.
-
The morning light filtered softly through the sheer curtains, casting golden hues across the bedroom. Stacy moved quietly, careful not to wake Zoe, as she carried a small tray balanced with care. A steaming mug of coffee sent up wisps of fragrant steam, scrambled eggs glistened with a hint of butter, toast was lightly browned and spread with strawberry jam, and a tiny glass vase held a single wildflower, delicate and bright.
She settled the tray gently onto Zoe's lap.
"Good morning," Stacy whispered, brushing a stray lock of hair from Zoe's face.
Zoe's eyes fluttered open, surprise melting quickly into a smile. "Breakfast in bed? You're spoiling me." Her voice was still thick with sleep but warm.
Stacy slid onto the bed beside her, the sheets cool against her skin. "Only for today. Thought we could start slow... and maybe steal a little time from the day."
Zoe reached out, taking the coffee cup, her fingers warm around the handle. "Mmm... smells amazing." She took a slow sip, eyes closing briefly to savor it.
Stacy watched her, the quiet moments feeling like they were stitched from something fragile and precious.
"You didn't have to do all this," Zoe murmured, her voice soft, "You didn't have to make me feel this special."
Stacy's smile was gentle but firm. "You deserve it."
They ate slowly, the clink of silverware and the soft hum of morning sounds outside the window filling the space between them. Zoe's laughter bubbled up when she discovered a small jam smudge on her cheek, and Stacy couldn't help but lean in, brushing it away with her fingertip.
After breakfast, they took their time getting ready. Stacy picked out her favorite dress—something light and flowy—and Zoe twirled in front of the mirror, the sunlight catching the glint of a necklace Stacy had given her long ago.
Hand in hand, they stepped out into the crisp morning air, the world humming softly around them.
They wandered through the nearby park, the grass still wet with dew beneath their feet. Birds sang overhead, and Zoe plucked a small bouquet of wildflowers, tucking a bright yellow one behind Stacy's ear.
"You look beautiful," Zoe said, her voice full of awe.
Stacy's heart caught in her throat. "So do you."
They stopped at a small bookstore, the scent of paper and leather wrapping around them like an old friend. Zoe pulled out a worn poetry book, reading aloud softly as they settled into a cozy corner.
Later, at a little café tucked away on a quiet street, they shared a slice of chocolate cake and sipped hot tea, fingers intertwined across the table.
As the sun dipped low, they found themselves on a bench by the river, the sky painted in streaks of pink and gold.
Zoe rested her head on Stacy's shoulder. "I wish this day could last forever."
Stacy squeezed her hand, voice barely a whisper. "Me too."
For these few hours, wrapped in the soft glow of their love, everything felt possible.