A Little Surprise
When I returned home, Akane had already dozed off on the sofa. The TV was still humming at low volume as it was still tuned in to a late-night variety show. Soft, colorful lights flickered across my silly wife’s peaceful face as she slept, her chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm.
I glanced at the table and noticed an empty plate and a glass, evidence that she had already eaten.
Seeing that, I let out a small sigh of relief.
I had worried she might have waited up for me again. Since I ended up cooking for Hana and staying longer than planned after Aunt Tomori's visit, I had messaged her to eat on her own if her sleepiness got the best of her. It looked like she had done just that. Thankfully.
Putting down my bag, I quietly walked over to her, careful not to wake her up.
She looked so serene like this, completely relaxed and vulnerable. Her usual energetic presence was replaced by something softer. And it was just the most beautiful thing.