A Morning That Started Softly
December 5, 2026 began earlier than usual.
Eve had stayed the night, and we woke up quietly. I made coffee for myself—she's never been much of a coffee drinker—and did a bit of light cleaning while the house was still calm. There was nothing rushed about the morning, just a steady sense of moving toward the day ahead.
Around 9:30, we left for her doctor's appointment.
Waiting Rooms and Quiet Support
We arrived early, only to realize the appointment was scheduled for 10:30, not 10:00. So we waited.
She was visibly anxious being there. Doctor visits tend to bring that out in her, especially when there are multiple things to talk about. When it was time, I helped her explain what was going on—pain that hasn't quite healed the way it should, discomfort that's lingered longer than expected, things that are easy to downplay when you're used to pushing through.
The doctor ordered blood work, which they did on site. That part was hard for her. She doesn't do well with needles. I held her hand, stayed close, and helped keep her grounded until it was over.
They prescribed medication to help her settle some of what's been weighing on her, and then we headed out.
Plans That Didn't Happen
We briefly considered stopping by The Up Store in Orlando again, but after learning more about their inventory cycle the day before, we decided against it. Apparently Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the better days to go.
Sometimes the smartest move is knowing when to try again later.
I dropped Eve off at home and went back to my place.
An Early Evening at Home
I did a little more cleaningg and cooked dinner—chili dogs and french fries. Simple, familiar, filling.
Isabella fell asleep before 6:00pm, which caught me off guard. Lately, she's been goin to bed earlier and earlier. Growth, exhaustion, maybe both.
The house felt quiet.
Stepping Out, Stepping Back
Later, I picked Eve up to run a quick errand. That decision, predictably, sparked an argument with my mother—comments about me having a "new family" and not caring about my own.
But Isabella was already asleep. Jaden had showered. The boys were heading to bed. There wasn't anything being neglected—just tension filling space where it didn't need to exist.
After the errand, Eve and I spent some time sitting on her front porch. We talked quietly and looked up at the moon, which had a deep, almost crimson glow to it that night.
It felt grounding. Like the world had slowed down just enough to notice.
Three Words, Half Joking, Half Serious
When I got home, I watched the final episodes of Stranger Things. Before settling in for the night, I shared something with Eve that's been sitting heavy on me.
I told her I want to hear three specific words—"I love you"—before I fall asleep again.
She insists she doesn't believe in love. She jokes about it. Deflects. Teases.
"Three words," she said.
"You gotta sleep."
Then again, "Three words."
Then somethin else.
Then laughter.
It went on like that for a bit—half joking, half circling something neither of us is quite ready to land on.
Eventually, I went to sleep.
So much for my sleep strike. I'm weak.
Ending the Day
I still believe she'll believe in love again someday.
And when she does, I think it'll be because someone stayed patient. Gentle. Consistent. That someone is me!
Because sometimes love isn't proven through declarations—it's proven through presence.
And today, I showed up.