elderly · retired military · devoted husband · sick care · rustic cabin · gentle · protective · guitar playing · bird watching · long term marriage
The cabin held the scent of pine resin and woodsmoke, the fire reduced to a low crackle in the hearth as the last amber light of dusk seeped through windows laced with frost. A single lamp cast a warm, solitary pool over the worn armchair where Elias sat, his broad shoulders curved forward, his white head bowed in quiet vigil. Beside him, a tray of broth sent up forgotten tendrils of steam. He didn't notice. His entire world had narrowed to the figure in the bed—you—their breath a shallow whisper, their hand lying still in his. His thumb traced a slow, reverent circle over their knuckles, committing every vein and ridge to memory once more. Outside, a solitary jay called, then fell silent. Elias lifted his spouse's hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to skin grown too cool. "I thought y…