The next morning, sunlight gently filtered through the curtains into the kitchen, bringing a faint warmth. However, none of this could free Ethan from the shadows of the previous night. He stood in front of the coffee machine, holding a porcelain cup, his face pale and his expression somewhat dazed. The hum of the coffee machine echoed in the air, steam rising, but Ethan seemed completely oblivious to it. His gaze was hollow, as if he were still trapped in the remnants of last night's nightmare.
Sofia emerged from the bathroom with a light step, still carrying a hint of soap fragrance, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders. As she dried her hair and walked into the kitchen, she immediately noticed Ethan's unusual demeanor. She paused, looking at her husband standing by the coffee machine, his figure appearing unusually lost and despondent. The confidence and calmness he usually exuded were nowhere to be found. Ethan's shoulders sagged slightly, his complexion even paler than usual, as if he hadn't slept all night; he looked exhausted and fragile.
Sofia quietly approached Ethan from behind, silently wrapping her arms around him in a gentle embrace. Her arms encircled his waist, her warm body pressing against his cold back, silently conveying her tenderness to him.
Ethan was momentarily startled by the sudden touch, his body stiffening as if that immersion in his inner world had been broken. But soon, his shoulders relaxed gradually as he adapted to Sofia's embrace. The familiar warmth and softness felt like a comforting harbor, slowly pulling him away from the fears and exhaustion of last night.
Sofia rested her head lightly on his shoulder and teased him in a playful tone, whispering in his ear, "What's wrong... been too long since you did this? Got you too excited?" Her voice carried a hint of lightness as if trying to lift the heavy atmosphere surrounding him.
Hearing her words, Ethan's lips curled into a faint smile of resignation, the fatigue in his eyes slightly diminishing. He looked down at the coffee cup in his hand, feeling Sofia's embrace like a warm shield temporarily blocking out last night's shadows. He didn't respond but tilted his head slightly, savoring this brief moment of tranquility and comfort.
In Sofia's embrace, Ethan felt her warm body temperature enveloping him like a soft protective layer, gradually pulling him back from last night's fears into reality. He sighed softly and finally broke the silence with a low tone, "I had a nightmare last night... so I didn't sleep well." His voice was subdued as if recounting something trivial, yet the shadow of that dream lingered heavily on his heart.
Upon hearing this, Sofia's smile faded gradually, replaced by a look of concern. She gently stroked Ethan's hair with tender fingers, comforting him like a mother soothing her child. "A nightmare? It's okay now; it's all in the past," she said softly. Her voice was gentle and warm like flowing stream water, making one feel an urge to lean on her and relax.
Listening to her comforting words, Ethan felt the pressure in his heart slowly dissipate. He leaned against Sofia's chest and felt the rhythm of her heartbeat—steady and strong—like a soothing melody for his troubled mind. He could clearly sense Sofia's love for him; that unspoken support and understanding gradually helped him step out from last night's shadows.
Sofia gently patted Ethan's shoulder and continued encouraging him with her tender tone: "You always carry so much pressure; sometimes dreams just reflect inner anxieties. You're a strong person, but sometimes you need to learn to relax too, okay?"
Ethan closed his eyes and buried his head in Sofia's embrace, allowing her love and tenderness to envelop him. The restlessness and unease within him began to calm down; it felt as if he were being cradled by a soft cloud, no longer weighed down by heaviness. He gently grasped Sofia's arm as if reluctant to let this moment end.
"Thank you, Sofia," Ethan whispered softly, filled with gratitude. He knew that no matter what nightmares or fears he faced, Sofia would always be his safe haven. Feeling her support and love wrapped around him brought him gradually back to peace as if he had found a home for his soul.
Sofia noticed Ethan's shoulders gradually relaxing, as if he was slowly emerging from the gloom of the previous night. Her worried expression softened, and a mischievous thought flickered through her mind. A familiar playful glint sparkled in her eyes, prompting her to seize the moment and break the silence, lightening the atmosphere.
While Ethan was still regaining his senses, lost in thought with a coffee cup in hand, Sofia suddenly reached out quickly and deftly snatched the steaming black coffee from him. The cup slipped from Ethan's fingers almost instantly, the liquid inside swaying gently and producing a crisp clinking sound.
"Hey!" Ethan exclaimed in surprise, his eyebrows raising involuntarily. Before he could react, Sofia had already claimed the cup for herself and, disregarding the bitter aroma, tilted her head back and took a big gulp.
Sofia frowned slightly, clearly feeling the bitterness of the black coffee spreading across her tongue, but she feigned calmness. She quickly lifted her head and playfully winked at Ethan, a triumphant smile appearing on her lips.
"This is my coffee!" Ethan protested with a helpless smile, feeling that Sofia's playfulness brought him a touch of warmth and ease. He reached out to reclaim the cup, but Sofia was quicker; she spun around gracefully and slipped away from his grasp like a nimble cat. She deftly maneuvered around him, dodging his hand as she dashed toward the kitchen door.
As she ran, Sofia laughed, her bright laughter echoing in the kitchen with a sense of lightness and joy. Her steps were light, as if she were dancing to an invisible melody; each movement radiated vitality, transforming the heavy air into something bright and cheerful.
"Weren't you supposed to drive me to work yesterday? Hurry up and get ready, or we'll be late!" Sofia called back to Ethan while laughing, waving her hand with a hint of pride. Her smile was filled with affection and mischief, teasing Ethan playfully.
Ethan stood there watching her figure fade into the distance, shaking his head helplessly but unable to suppress a fond smile. He sighed; it felt as if the pressure in his heart and the nightmares from last night were gradually dissipating in the wake of Sofia's laughter. Her playfulness and lightheartedness were like a refreshing breeze that slowly blew away the shadows within him. That warmth made him feel that no matter what challenges lay ahead, Sofia would always bring strength and support.
"Hurry up! We're going to be late!" Sofia's voice called again from outside the kitchen, tinged with urgency. Her voice was like morning sunlight illuminating the freshly awakened world, impossible to resist.
Ethan stood still for a moment before recalling that he had indeed promised to drive her to work yesterday. He chuckled softly while shaking his head one last time before glancing at the half-finished cup of coffee that Sofia had already claimed for herself. His mood lightened considerably; the fatigue and pressure from last night seemed to lift as he quickly walked toward his bedroom to prepare for the day ahead.
At that moment, he suddenly realized that Sofia's playful antics and warm concern had quietly infused him with new energy. The fears of last night felt trivial in comparison; in her company and love, Ethan felt himself recharged with strength once more.
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