The nice breeze passed through my hair while I was sitting outside on the porch, reading a book. 

I could faintly hear Ramin singing from the bedroom, where he was practicing "Still" for the Broadway musical, Anastasia. 

Even from a distance, his voice made my hairs stand up straight, and I subconsciously rubbed my arms to settle the chill running through my veins. 

There was no way I was going to be able to read my book, so I sat back in my chair and listened to my Phantom sing.

I don't know how much time had passed, but my Zen-like state was interrupted when I felt a kiss on my head. 

"Good afternoon, my Angel," Ramin chuckled. "How was your nap?"

I sat up and looked over my shoulder at him. 

"I wasn't asleep," I argued. "I was merely listening to your beautiful voice."

He smiled. 

"Sure you were."

I rolled my eyes at him as I stood up and walked into the living room with my book cradled against my chest. 

"Someone's feeling sassy today," I muttered under my breath.

Ramin quickly caught up to me and grabbed my arm, stopping me in my tracks. 

"What's with you today?" he asked, furrowing his brows when I faced him.

I sighed. 

"Sorry about my crankiness," I apologized. "I just get like this when I know you're going to be gone for awhile. It makes me sad."

He looked me over for a moment, then cupped my cheek with his hand. 

"I won't be gone long," he reassured me. "It'll only be a couple of weeks. I'll be back before you know it."

I laid my hand over his and cuddled my face into his palm. 

"I don't want you to leave."

Ramin kissed my forehead and pulled me into a hug, resting his chin on the top of my head. 

"I'll call you every day and night while I'm away," he whispered. "I promise."

I clung onto him tightly and buried my face into his shoulder. 

"You better, or you are going to be in big trouble," I said, trying to hide my tears.

"I promise, Ave. You have my word."