Leon stepped into the room—and stopped.
Mira was asleep.
For a moment, he just stood there. She looked… peaceful. Just like that day. He shook his head slightly.
**What are you thinking, Leo…**
He took a deep breath and walked closer and sat beside her. Gently, he adjusted the blanket around her, careful not to wake her. His fingers hovered for a second before he lightly tapped the tip of her nose.
A faint smile curved on his lips. He brushed a few strands of hair away from her face, his fingers lingering a little longer than necessary. It was not a faint smile anymore.
he quickly looked away, trying to compose himself.
**Calm down…**
But he didn't move.
Minutes passed.
Then more. The reason he had come—completely forgotten.
Time slipped by quietly, unnoticed; but he enjoyed each second of it.
The golden-red rays of the setting sun filtered through the curtains, falling gently across her face, waking her. Her eyes fluttered open… and the first thing she saw was Leon, sitting right beside her.
"Mira... I came to pick you for lu.. ah.. dinner.." Leon scratched his head correcting himself hiding his obsession.
"I guess… I lost track of time."
"hmm.." She nodded.
"Mira... " his voice softened; "doctor told me that you are anemic... you are looking weak.."
"I will take care.." she replied.
Leon leaned towards her... and pressed a switch; For a moment he could hear his own heartbeats. The door opened. The servants entered, placing dishes neatly on the table beside the bed.
Leon glanced at them briefly, and waved them to retreat.
"I've been noticing and guessed some food you like," he said, his tone calmer now. "So I asked them to prepare them."
He gestured toward the food.
"Try it."
A small pause.
"You didn't have lunch either.
She looked at him and slowly pushed a plate towards him.
**She noticed...** A smile tugged at his lips as he nodded. "Thank you…"
He picked up the serving spoon and began filling her plate instead, carefully choosing each dish.
"Eat," he said softly.
But he didn't start eating. He watched her.
Every bite.
Every movement.
"Mira... mom asked me about the wedding ceremony..." he looked at her; "What do you think?"
She hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly around the spoon.
"I… can it be… a small function?"
For a second, something flickered in his eyes—relief, quick and sharp. He had expected rejection.
Instead, he nodded immediately.
"Of course," he said. "Just family. No more than… ten people."
A small pause.
"Do you have anyone you'd like to invite?"
"No." The word came out quietly.
Too quietly.
It hit him instantly. No family... No one.
"Then…" he said gently, leaning forward just a little, "Mira… will you send me an invitation?"
She blinked, confused.
"You…?"
"Yes as your closest relative."
"Hmm" She nodded.