look after you

"If ever there was a doubt, my love she leans into me. 'This most assuredly counts,' she says most assuredly."

Michael was leaving today. It was odd how Daniella had known this day was coming for weeks but was still surprised. She was there with him when he interviewed and then chose a renter. She helped him box up belongings. Yet, the day had come, the moment was here, and Daniella wasn't prepared. In fact, she wasn't sure if she wanted to cry or applaud or hide. Logically, she knew this was the opportunity of a lifetime for Michael. He had to take it. He had to go. But it seemed completely insane to her that he would no longer be there everyday.

In the end, Daniella decided to applaud. After all, she loved him. She loved his passion, and respected his need to embrace those things he had passion for. And no matter how he felt for her, she knew she would never be his only passion. More importantly, she didn't want to be. Daniella adored every crook and cranny of this man.

So, here they were. At the moment of departure. Michael's car was packed. The keys had been transferred. Every part of Daniella was aching. Yet while she was unsure of when this ache would end, of how this distance would affect their relationship, of what tomorrow would be like without the love of her life, she knew one thing for sure. Daniella knew that this was the right choice for Michael. That this was his opportunity, his moment to finally shine. So she hugged him. She told him she loved him. She wiped his tears away, kissed his face. She put her hand on his heart. She told him she loved him, opened his car door, and wished him a safe drive. And because she was calm, he was calm. Because she was happy for him, he was at ease to leave.

Daniella watched Michael drive off. She smiled and waved like any good woman would do. And when his car turned the corner and could no longer be seen, Daniella sat heavily on the curb where his car was just parked, put her face in her hands, and cried.