Two Weeks Later.

"Michael! Stop it! Oh my goodness! That tickles!"

I chuckle lightly as I wipe the soapy loofah against Marina's body. My cheeks were bright red as I wash her off gently. Eventually, my eyes met hers, and she leans over and kisses me.

"You know you don't have to do this, I think I'm good enough to clean myself."

I look at her sighing, "I just want to make sure you don-" She interrupts, "Get the stitches wet, I know!" I slowly help her out the tub, wrapping her in the towel. She smiles gently, "It's warm." I laugh, "I did laundry earlier." She nods as I help her get dress for bed. She yawns as my arms wrap around her gently. She winces slightly as I let go of her.

"Sorry.."

She shakes her head, "No, no, it's okay." I watch her as she slowly walks to the vanity and brushes her fingertips against her jawline, the one that was cut. At least it was healing well, and it left a small scar.

Recovery was a struggle for her. Marina was a workaholic like myself. She misses work, nevertheless hated that she had to keep bothering me for stuff. I didn't mind helping her though, it allowed me to keep an eye on her. I cleaned her clothes, get groceries for her, help her get dress daily. It was a daily routine in my life. Was it hard for me to give up working for her? Yes. But it was worth it.

It's been two weeks since she was assaulted. So far, she's been numb about the situation, squirming in her sleep. The PTSD was bad for her. There's moments where she would be screaming for me, for anyone to save her. All I could do is wrap my arms around her and tell her that everything will be okay.

It helped for her to not be at her house though, so her and her Nana lived with me and my family. I broke from my trance as she turns to me, "Do you think I'm ugly now?" I frown at her question, "Hell no, baby, I still love you. I still think you're sexier than ever. Hell, when you're fully recovered I want to show you how much you still turn me on." Her lips curl to a sly smile, "Well, we are just going to wait and see." I nod as she holds my hand before walking to my bedroom. She gushed as she sees a bouquet of daisies on the bed before turning to me, "Mickey! Awh, baby!" I frown while shaking my head before she gets all excited, "I didn't buy that for you..."

She looks at the bouquet then me in confusion as she lifts the bouquet, reading the note.

Hi there, beautiful. I hope that you're 'stabbed' back into reality. Eventually, we will not be much more patient with what we asked for. Don't keep us waiting or you won't be the only one who goes to the OR. Happy Recovery.

Her eyes widen at the note as she hands it to me. I throw the bouquet of flowers on the floor and stomp on them, turning them into debris. She sits on the bed, beginning to cry, "Michael, what am I going to do? I couldn't bear to see you get hurt or anyone. Maybe I should die or something, and it will be all over." I sit on the bed beside her, cupping her face in my hand, "First of all, you're not killing yourself. If you kill yourself, I might as well do the same. Second, no one is hurting anyone, I'm going to protect you and your Nana okay?" She sniffles while nodding, "I know I've been static for weeks and everything, but I can't have you risking your life because of my dumb deadbeat of a dad..." She leans in and her lips were on mine as they move against mine.

Eventually, my lips responded to hers as we were having a full-on make out session. Everything in our lives felt so minuscule. This moment here was utter bliss. She pulls away, reaching her hands over to mine, "I'm so lucky to have you in my life, Michael. You're the best man I've ever been with, and the way you love me...I never want to lose you." I giggle while smiling widely, "Likewise with you. I'm not going anywhere. She scoots in the bed, sliding under the covers as I walk to the casette player and slides in a cassette, allowing it to play.

She smiles widely as 'The Girl is Mine' starts playing as I lay in the bed with her. She snuggles against me, laying on her side, "My favorite." I chuckle lightly as I comb my fingers through her hair, "I know." Her head rest against my chest as our fingers interlock with one another.

"You know, as a doctor. It was one thing to fix others and be there for others. But when you're the victim it's a different story...you feel so weak, so vulnerable to the world's danger. That's how I feel, Mickey. I always felt invincible in a sense, until I lost control. Control with my life. Eventually, this loss of control will cause me to lose control over my emotions. My anger. My sadness."

I let her vent as she looks at me, blinking slowly as I pull the blanket over us more.

"Can I tell you the rest tomorrow?"

I nod slowly as she falls asleep in my arms instantly. I couldn't help but watch her sleep. This has really been draining on her and her emotions. As she slept peacefully, I kiss her forehead then her nose then her lips. She was beautiful, and I hate that this experience makes her doubt herself. Her confidence was broken, and it broke me that I didn't know what to do to bring it back.

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- R 🌝