Grace

As the doorknob turned, my grip tightened on the shoe rack, my heart pounding in my chest. I braced myself for whatever- or whoever was about to burst through the door.

As the door creaked open, I aimed and flung a heeled shoe at the door. A soft yelp echoed in the room, the voice of the intruder quite different from mamañ’s.

“Navy?” I gasped, a mix of relief and surprise flooding through me.

“I’m sorry, oh my god. Why are you home so early? Did I hit you?”

“Rosé, what’s going on?” Navy asked, his voice filled with concern as his gaze darted between me and the shoes arranged to be weaponized.

“I took the day off, I thought I could come keep you company. Is everything alright?”

“I thought… I thought someone was breaking in,” I stammered, looking over his shoulder as if I expected mamañ to appear behind him.

Navy stepped forward, his expression softening as he gently took in my quivering body.

“It’s okay, love. It’s just me…” his warm arms draped around me in a reassuring hug, my poun