Coddle

As I cuddled up next to him, I could feel my sadness melting away. I had his warm body to my right, and a cool breeze from the air conditioning on my left. I was slightly turned in toward him, and I looked up at his face. He was relaxed, handsome, and his lips were the most perfect shade of pale pink. I could count the freckles dotting his face, and feel his chest expanding and contracting with each breath. I closed my eyes and settled into his embrace. I then felt his hand against my face. He cradled my cheek and pulled me closer. The way he held me was reminiscent of how one would coddle a newborn baby. I remember thinking how perfect it was at that moment, and I never wanted to move. I felt loved, protected, and like nothing else mattered. School didn't matter, work didn't matter, my parents didn't matter, and any concept of time constraints were thrown out the window. The only sounds were the soft hum of the AC and his steady breathing. His hand still on my face, I quietly drifted to sleep. The world was finally peaceful in that moment. I was his, and I loved it.