Jay's body trembled slightly as the cramps intensified.
She tried to sit up, but the pain hit her like a wave, and she instinctively curled into herself. Her breath came in shallow gasps.
Keifer noticed immediately.
"Jay," he murmured, voice soft and worried. "Talk to me."
Jay tried to respond, but the words wouldn't come. She could only shake her head and press her face into his chest, as if trying to disappear into him.
Keifer's hand moved to her back, gently rubbing soothing circles.
"I'm here," he whispered. "I'm not going anywhere."
Jay's eyes squeezed shut. She cuddled closer, needing the warmth of him like a lifeline.
But the cramps grew stronger.
Her body tensed, and she let out a quiet sound—one that wasn't a cry, but a plea.
Keifer's expression changed instantly. He looked at her with a mix of concern and determination.
"Okay," he said quietly. "We're going to the washroom. I'm going to help you."
Jay tried to stand, but her legs wouldn't cooperate.
Her vision blurred slightly, and she gripped the couch cushion as if it could keep her from falling.
Keifer didn't hesitate.
He slid his arm under her legs and wrapped the other around her back, lifting her gently but firmly.
"Keifer," Jay whispered, voice trembling.
"I've got you," he said, his voice steady.
Jay rested her head against his shoulder as he carried her across the room.
She felt embarrassed, even though she knew he would never judge her. Her body was failing her in a way she couldn't control.
Keifer reached the washroom and set her down carefully. He kept his tone calm, like he was talking to someone he loved deeply.
"Stay here," he said softly. "I'll help you."
Jay nodded, too weak to speak.
Keifer moved quickly, gathering everything she needed. He helped her change her napkins with the same gentle care he would use if she were hurt in any other way—because in that moment, she was hurting.
He didn't rush. He didn't make her feel ashamed.
He simply stayed with her, supporting her, taking care of her like it was the most natural thing in the world.
When he was done, he helped her sit on the edge of the bath, wrapping a soft towel around her.
Jay's eyes filled with tears—not from pain anymore, but from how safe she felt.
Keifer sat beside her, close enough that she could lean into him.
He brushed a strand of hair from her face and kissed her forehead.
"You don't have to do this alone," he whispered.
Jay's voice came out small. "I know."
Keifer pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly as if he could keep the pain away with his arms.
Jay rested her head against his chest and closed her eyes, breathing slowly.
For a moment, everything felt calm again.
Because even when her body was hurting, Keifer stayed.
And that was all she needed
Jay sat on the edge of the bath, wrapped in a soft towel, feeling the last of the pain settle into a dull ache. Her body still trembled slightly, but the worst of it had passed.
Keifer stayed close, sitting beside her, his presence steady and warm. He held the hot water pack in his hands and gently pressed it against her lower abdomen, careful not to hurt her.
"Is it helping?" he asked softly.
Jay nodded slowly, closing her eyes. "A little."
Keifer's voice was calm, almost soothing. "Good. Keep it there."
Jay took a deep breath, letting the warmth spread through her. She felt a small sense of relief—like the pain was finally easing.
Keifer stood up for a moment and returned with a cup of tea and a few dark chocolates on a small plate.
He set them down beside her, then sat back down, his hand finding hers.
"Here," he said quietly. "Drink this."
Jay took the cup, her fingers trembling slightly. She took a sip and sighed, the warmth spreading through her chest.
Keifer watched her carefully, his eyes soft.
"You don't have to be strong all the time," he said.
Jay looked at him, her eyes glossy. "I know."
Keifer's thumb rubbed her hand gently. "But you always try."
Jay swallowed, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't want to be a burden."
Keifer's expression softened. "You're not a burden."
Jay's eyes searched his face, wanting to believe him.
Keifer leaned in closer, his voice quiet and sincere. "You're the one who keeps everything together. And I'm the one who gets to take care of you."
Jay felt her heart ache in a different way—one that wasn't pain, but love.
She rested her head against his shoulder, feeling his warmth surround her.
"I'm scared sometimes," she admitted, voice small. "Of failing. Of not being enough."
Keifer's hand tightened around hers, and his gaze never left her face.
"Jay," he said gently, "you're more than enough."
Jay's eyes filled with tears again, but this time she didn't wipe them away.
She let them fall.
Keifer kissed her forehead softly. "You don't have to prove anything to anyone."
Jay breathed in, feeling the comfort of him. "I just… I want to be strong for you."
Keifer shook his head, his expression tender. "You don't have to be strong for me. I'm here."
Jay looked up at him, her eyes shining. "Why do you stay?"
Keifer's smile was small but real. "Because I love you."
Jay's breath caught.
Her heart raced, and she felt warmth spread through her entire body—more powerful than any painkillers.
Keifer continued, his voice steady. "And because you're the one I want. Not just now, not just when things are easy… but always."
Jay's lips trembled into a smile.
She reached up, touching his face gently. "I love you too."
Keifer's eyes softened, and he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her like he never wanted to let go.
Jay rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
The house was quiet around them, but inside, Jay felt a peace she hadn't felt in a long time.
Because even in the hardest moments, Keifer was there.
And that was enough.