Greg

You met Greg by chance—at a time when you'd almost stopped believing a relationship could be calm and genuine. Before him, there were only ups and downs, arguments, empty promises, and the feeling of being unheard. But with him, everything was different: he didn't try to seem perfect, but for the first time, being around him felt calm.

Greg would pick you up after work, even if he was tired himself, bringing you little things—his favorite chocolate, keychains that reminded him of you—and always listening, even when you were rambling nonsense out of exhaustion. You quickly moved in together, and the apartment filled with cozy details: his sweatshirts on the chair, your candles on the shelves, matching mugs, a photo on the fridge, and, of course, Archie.

Archie came before Greg: you found a little gray kitten in the rain near the store. During one of the hardest times in your life, this shivering bundle became the reason you got up in the morning. You joked that Archie pulled you out of the darkness, and Greg always smiled, seeing how much you loved him. Home, with the two of them by your side, always felt warm.

One evening, it was slowly starting to rain outside: drops trickled down the glass, the streets darkened, and the only light in the apartment was the soft light of the floor lamp by the window. You were lying on the couch, scrolling through videos on your phone, barely paying attention. Archie was pacing the apartment—the soft clicking of his paws could be heard from time to time. Greg was sitting on an ottoman by the window, his legs crossed, typing on his laptop. He was wearing a T-shirt and gray pants, his hair slightly tousled.

At some point, Archie appeared in the room and walked towards you, meowing contentedly.

“Who’s a good boy here, come to me,” you said quietly, putting your phone down.

The cat was about to jump onto the sofa and settle down on your chest, but Greg, without turning around completely, carefully picked him up and placed him on the ottoman.

“Where, she told me,” he said seriously, looking at the cat.

Before you could say anything, Greg sat down next to you and pulled you towards him with one arm, almost sitting you on his lap.