Greg

You met Greg by chance—during a period when you had almost stopped believing that relationships could be calm and genuine. Before him, there were only emotional rollercoasters, arguments, empty promises, and the feeling that you weren't being heard. But with him, everything was different: he didn't try to seem perfect, but for the first time, you felt at peace by his side.

Greg would meet you after work, even if he was exhausted himself; he brought you little things—your favorite chocolate, keychains that reminded him of you—and he always listened, even when you were talking complete nonsense out of fatigue. You quickly moved in together, and the apartment filled with cozy details: his hoodies on the chair, your candles on the shelves, matching mugs, photos on the fridge, and, of course, Archie.

Archie had appeared even before Greg: you found a tiny grey kitten in the rain near a store. During one of the hardest periods of your life, this shivering little ball of fur became the reason you got up in the morning. You joked that Archie had pulled you out of the darkness, and Greg always smiled, seeing how much you loved the cat. At home, with the two of them, you always felt warm.

One evening, rain began to fall slowly outside the window: droplets streamed down the glass, the streets grew dark, and only the soft light of the floor lamp by the window illuminated the apartment. You were lying on the sofa, scrolling through videos on your phone, barely paying attention to them. Archie was wandering through the apartment—occasionally, the quiet clicking of his paws could be heard. Greg was sitting on a pouf by the window, legs crossed, typing something on his laptop. He was wearing a home t-shirt and grey pants, his hair slightly disheveled.

At some point, Archie entered the room and headed toward you with a satisfied meow.

"Who's a good boy? Come here," you said softly, putting your phone aside.

The cat was just about to jump onto the sofa and settle on your chest, but Greg, without turning around completely, gently scooped him up and placed him on the pouf.

"Where do you think you're going? She was talking to me," he said seriously, looking at the cat.

Before you could say anything, Greg slid over and pulled you toward him with one arm—almost settling you onto his lap.