~FOREVER IN THE MOMENT~

~Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope~

- Maya Angelou

Song - Slow it down by Benson Boone

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Sophie's eyes fluttered open, and she was immediately enveloped in the warm, cozy atmosphere of the dorm room. The soft, golden light of the morning sun streamed through the large windows, casting a gentle glow over the room. The air was filled with the sweet, enticing aroma of freshly cooked breakfast.

She sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and that's when she saw him. Aubrey was standing beside her bed, a warm smile on his face, and a tray laden with delicious food in his hands.

"Morning, beautiful," he said, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down Sophie's spine. "I made your favorite breakfast - pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream, scrambled eggs, 'n' crispy bacon."

Sophie's eyes widened as she took in the spread before her. It looked and smelled amazing, and her stomach growled in anticipation. But what really caught her attention was the way Aubrey was looking at her, his eyes filled with love and adoration.

Aubrey carefully placed the tray on Sophie's lap. It was the little things like this that made her feel so loved and cherished. Aubrey always went out of his way to make her feel special, and it was something that she deeply appreciated.

As Sophie began to eat, Aubrey sat down beside her, his arm wrapping around her shoulders, pulling her close. Sophie felt a sense of comfort and security wash over her, and she leaned into Aubrey's side, feeling grateful for this moment.

While eating, they talked, sharing stories and laughter, their conversation flowing easily. Sophie felt like she could talk to Aubrey about anything, and he would listen, really listen, without judgment. It was a feeling she cherished deeply.

They finished their breakfast, and Aubrey took the tray from Sophie's lap and placed it on the bedside table. He then turned to her, his eyes filled with emotion, and took her hand in his.

"Time for your medicine," he said, his voice low and soothing.

Sophie's face scrunched up in distaste. "Ugh, do I have to?" she whined, her voice laced with reluctance. "I hate that medicine. It's so gross and it makes me want to puke."

Aubrey chuckled. "I know it's not the most pleasant thing to take, but it's necessary."

Sophie pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a sulky expression. "But why do I have to take it now? Can't it wait?"

Aubrey shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Nah, it can't wait," he said. "Now, come on, Sophie. Be a good girl and take your medicine."

Aubrey reached for the bottle of medicine on the bedside table and poured a small amount into a spoon. He then turned to Sophie, his eyes locked on hers, and said, "Open up, say Aaah. . ."

Sophie's eyes dropped, and she reluctantly opened her mouth, "Aaah."

She felt like a child being forced to take medicine, but at the same time, she couldn't help but feel some confusing emotions towards Aubrey.

Aubrey carefully placed the spoon inside Sophie's mouth. She swallowed the medicine, making a face at the bitter taste.

"Good girl."

Sophie's face turned an even deeper shade of red as Aubrey's words sent a flutter through her chest. She felt a surge of happiness and contentment, knowing that Aubrey was taking care of her.

She felt free.

As Aubrey took the spoon away, Sophie's eyes met his, and she felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. Aubrey's eyes were warm and gentle, filled with a deep affection and concern.

Sophie's heart skipped a beat as Aubrey leaned in, his face inches from hers. "All better?" he whispered, his breath sending shivers down her spine.

Sophie nodded, her voice barely audible. "Y-yes."

"A'ight. Now, let's get you comfortable again."

As Aubrey pulled back, Sophie felt a pang of disappointment. She had enjoyed the closeness, the intimacy of the moment. And as she looked into Aubrey's eyes, she saw something there that made her heart skip a beat. It was a look of tenderness, of affection, of something more.

"I love you," Aubrey blurted out immediately, without thinking. He didn't care about the consequences or the timing. He just knew that he had to tell her, had to let her know how he felt.

Sophie's eyes widened in shock, her face pale with surprise. Aubrey's heart sank, his mind racing with doubts. Had he made a mistake? Should he have kept his feelings hidden?

"Aubrey," she started, clearing her throat. "I. . . I don't have much time left, you know?"

Aubrey's eyes widened in confusion, his mind racing with questions. What did Sophie mean? What was she trying to tell him? "What do you mean, Sophie?" he asked, his voice shaking with emotion. "You're going to be fine."

Sophie's eyes filled with tears, and she shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, Aubrey, I'm not. I've been hiding it from you, but. . .but my condition is worse than I let on. I don't have much time left. Less than six months."

Aubrey's world came crashing down around him. He shook his head, denial coursing through his veins. "No, Sophie, that's not true. You're going to get better. . ."

Sophie's tears spilled over, and she reached out, taking Aubrey's hand in hers. "I'm sorry, Aubrey," she whispered. "I'm so sorry I didn't tell you sooner. But I'm going to die!"

Aubrey's heart shattered into a million pieces. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of despair, like he couldn't catch his breath. He pulled Sophie into his arms, holding her close as tears streamed down his face.

"Sophie," he whispered, blinking in disbelief. Sophie's arms wrapped around him, holding him close as they both cried, their hearts breaking with the knowledge of their limited time together.

They pulled out of the hug moments later, and Aubrey looked into Sophie's eyes. "That dosen't change my feelings for you."

Sophie's eyes filled with tears. "I know you're saying this because you feel sorry for me."

Aubrey's face contorted in anguish as he shook his head, his voice cracking with emotion. "No, Sophie, that's not why I'm saying it. I'm saying it because it's true. I've always loved you, not because I feel sorry for you, but because of who you are. Your strength, your courage, your beauty... it all captivates me. You make me feel alive, Soph. You make me feel seen and heard in a way that no one else ever has. I've loved you since the first time I set my eyes on you, no cap."

Sophie's face crumpled as she sobbed, her body shaking with the force of her emotions. Aubrey's words had touched a deep place within her, a place that she had thought was long buried. She felt seen, she felt heard, and she felt loved.

Aubrey's eyes filled with tears as he reached out, gently wiping away Sophie's tears with his thumbs. "I love you so much," he whispered.

Sophie's sobs slowed, and she looked up at Aubrey, her eyes searching his face. She saw the sincerity there, the love and adoration that shone brightly in his eyes. And in that moment, she knew that she felt the same way.

"I love you too, Aubrey," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Aubrey's face lit up with a radiant smile, and he pulled Sophie into his arms, holding her close as they both cried, their hearts overflowing with emotion. They sat there for a long time, holding each other, their love and grief mingling together in a poignant dance.

As they finally pulled back, Aubrey's eyes locked onto Sophie's, and he whispered, "We'll make the most of the time we have left, Soph. I promise. We'll cherish every moment, every second. We'll make memories that will last a lifetime."

Sophie's eyes filled with tears again, but this time, they were tears of joy, of gratitude, of love. She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'd like that. I'd like that very much."

Aubrey's heart skipped a beat as he leaned in, his lips brushing against Sophie's in a soft, gentle kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of love, of passion, of a deep and abiding connection.

Sophie felt a spark of electricity run through her body, igniting a fire that had been simmering beneath the surface. She felt alive, she felt loved, and she felt cherished.

Aubrey's kiss deepened, his lips moving in perfect sync with Sophie's. It was a kiss that spoke of forever, of always, of a love that would transcend time and space.

Aubrey's arms tightened around her, holding her close, basking in the warmth of their love. His hands began to wander, tracing the curves of Sophie's body. Sophie felt a shiver run down her spine as his fingers danced across her skin, sending sparks of electricity through her veins.

Without a word, Aubrey gently laid Sophie on the bed, not breaking apart. Sophie's heart skipped a beat as she felt the softness of the mattress beneath her, Aubrey's body hovering above hers.

Aubrey's hands continued to explore Sophie's body. Her heart pounded in her chest as she felt Aubrey's lips trail down her neck, his breath sending goosebumps across her skin.

As they lay there, lost in the moment, Sophie knew that she would never forget this feeling - the feeling of being loved, of being cherished, of being adored.

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