A few calm moments before the break:
One lazy Sunday afternoon…
James and Daisy sprawled on the floor of James's small living room, surrounded by old records and mismatched cushions. They played their favorite songs, singing off-key and laughing like no one was watching.
"You sing like a dying cat," James teased, pulling her close.
"Better than your coffee-making skills," Daisy shot back with a grin.
They fell into a fit of giggles, the kind of laughter that echoed long after the moment passed.
---
The evening breeze whispered through the open window, carrying the faint scent of rain and jasmine.
James and Daisy sat cross-legged on the creaky wooden floor of James's apartment, a chessboard between them.
James leaned in, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Check."
Daisy narrowed her eyes, pretending to be offended. "You're cheating."
"Never," James said, grinning wide.
She laughed, a soft, musical sound that filled the room. "Rematch tomorrow?"
"Deal. But only if you promise not to get distracted by my dazzling smile again."
Daisy rolled her eyes but smiled anyway. "You're impossible."
He reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "Impossible to forget."
---
After a long day
James found Daisy asleep on the couch, a book still open on her chest. The soft glow of the lamp framed her face like a painting.
He sat beside her quietly, careful not to wake her, and pulled a blanket over her.
When she stirred and opened her eyes, she smiled sleepily. "You're such a softie."
James shrugged, sitting closer. "Only for you."
They stayed that way for a while, no words needed, just the comfort of being near.
---
One rainy afternoon
They ran through puddles in the street, laughing like children. Daisy shrieked as a splash soaked her shoes.
"Hey! My shoes!" she cried, but couldn't stop smiling.
James grabbed her hand, pulling her close. "You look adorable when you're mad."
Daisy punched his arm playfully. "You're lucky I like you."
They ducked under a shared umbrella, the rain drumming a steady rhythm around them as they walked, wet but happy.
---
Quiet night, lying on the roof watching stars…
Daisy traced constellations with her finger. "Do you think we'll ever get there? That big city?"
James wrapped an arm around her waist. "We will. Together."
She leaned her head on his shoulder, eyes shining with hope. "Promise me we'll never forget nights like this."
He kissed the top of her head softly. "Never."
---
Another night, just before bedtime…
Daisy was curled up on the threadbare couch, a book open but forgotten on her lap. James came in carrying two mugs of hot cocoa.
"Thought you might need this," he said softly, handing her one.
She smiled, taking it gratefully. "You're the best."
They sipped in companionable silence, the quiet only broken by the distant sound of crickets.
James looked over and saw the faint worry lines on Daisy's forehead. "What's on your mind?"
She hesitated. "Sometimes, I wonder if we're strong enough."
James reached for her hand again, squeezing gently. "We are. Because we have each other."
Daisy nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. "Together."
He didn't see the shadows creeping in the nights Daisy came home later and later, the quiet moments when her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. He didn't notice the way she'd sometimes look at the horizon like she was measuring the distance between them and the life she wanted.
But for now, at least in this moment.. there was only warmth.
There was only her hand in his, her head resting on his shoulder, and the certainty that love, in its purest form, could carry them anywhere.
---
The morning light was soft, almost shy, seeping through the thin, cream curtains and painting the tiny apartment in shades of gold. Dust motes floated lazily in the air, moving in rhythm with the quiet hum of the city outside.
James was already up. He stood barefoot in the narrow kitchen, his messy hair falling into his eyes as he poured hot water into a mug. The steam curled between them like a fragile secret.
"Morning, sleepyhead," he murmured without looking up, voice still a little rough from sleep.
Daisy leaned on the doorway, wearing his old hoodie that hung too big on her frame. "Making coffee at my place again?" she teased softly.
He smiled faintly, glancing at her over his shoulder. "Your coffee machine needs me."
"Or maybe you just need the excuse," she said, walking closer.
He handed her the cup, their fingers brushing. Barely a touch, but enough to send a warmth spiraling up her arm. She pretended not to notice, sipping the coffee instead.
On the couch, the springs gave a soft sigh under their weight. From somewhere behind him, James pulled a crumpled paper bag and set it on the coffee table. "Pastries. Smuggled them out from work before my boss caught me."
Daisy's lips curved into a smile. "You're terrible."
"And you love it," he replied without hesitation.
They ate in companionable silence, the kind that feels like it's holding something unspoken. Outside, a neighbor's dog barked, the sound blending with the faint melody playing from the old radio in the corner.
Later, James sat by the window, tightening the loose latch with a borrowed screwdriver, while Daisy knelt on the floor, stitching the frayed cuff of his shirt. The light caught on the curve of his jaw, making him look like a memory she didn't want to lose.
"Jammy," she said quietly, tying the last knot in the thread, "when we finally make it big and move to the city… I want a window so wide the morning light can drown the whole room."
He glanced at her, a small smile tugging at his mouth. "Deal. But I get the big kitchen."
"You and your coffee," she whispered, shaking her head.
His gaze lingered on her, tracing every line of her face as if he could keep it forever. When he laughed softly, she laughed too, and in that moment, it felt like this was all they'd ever want, forever.
---
That afternoon, they strolled to the park. The grass smelled fresh, the sky already leaning toward dusk. At their favorite bench, someone showed up.
A tall guy with messy hair bounced a basketball in his hands.
"Jammy! You didn't show up again!" he called out from a distance, frowning.
Daisy sighed, barely turning her head. "Mike. Like a ghost, always popping up."
"That's my charm," Mike replied easily, perching on the backrest of the bench before glancing at James. "So, why didn't you come? You promised you'd hang out."
James gave a casual nod, though his tone was flat. "Double shift."
Mike rolled his eyes dramatically. "Oh, please. More like you just wanna be with Daisy and forget your friends." He clutched his chest in mock offense, then shot Daisy a sidelong glance that carried a teasing edge.
James just shrugged. "Work, Mike. If I don't work, I don't eat."
Oblivious to the faint tension, Mike tossed the ball toward him. "Fine. But next week, don't disappear. Life's not just work and paying bills. Have some fun, man."
James caught the ball and threw it back. "Easy for you to say."
Daisy only shook her head with a small smile. Mike had been James's friend since middle school. Always around, whether at the right time or not, and privy to almost all their secrets.
"It's not just talk," James replied firmly. "I'm sure Daisy and I will move and make it."
Mike nodded, his voice serious but tinged with mockery. "Then I'll be the first one to watch."
Mike nodded, half-serious but still teasing. "Then I'll be the first one in the front row."
Daisy smiled at both of them. "I like seeing you two like this."
Mike shrugged indifferently. "When I get the chance, I'll spill some of Jammy's secrets to you, Daisy."
James shot him a sharp look. "You're not getting free coffee from me ever again."
"HAHAHA! Alright, alright, my bad, bro."
Daisy smiled at them, warmth in her eyes.
The sun was slowly sinking, wrapping the park in a soft orange glow. James leaned back, Daisy resting her head on his shoulder, while Mike tapped his fingers against the bench. The world felt simple. Full of promises.
The sunlight filtered through swaying leaves, pouring golden warmth over them. Daisy's laughter still lingered, though softer than a few minutes ago. Her fingers fiddled with the end of the scarf around her neck, as if searching for something to hold onto.
From the opposite bench, Mike glanced up from his phone and stood. "I'm heading off. Got something to do," he said shortly.
James only nodded, eyes still on Daisy. When Mike left, the quiet felt heavier, broken only by birds heading home.
"Tired?" James asked softly.
She shook her head, forcing a faint smile. "No… just thinking."
"About what?"
"Nothing important," she replied quickly, turning her gaze toward the small pond at the edge of the park.
James leaned in, trying to catch her eyes. "If it makes you this quiet, it's important."
Daisy let out a small laugh, but it was dry. "No, really, it's nothing. Don't worry."
She stood then, walking to the edge of the pond, picking up a pebble, and tossing it into the water. Ripples formed, then faded. James watched from behind, realizing something. Daisy always did this whenever she wanted to avoid a conversation.
As he approached, she glanced at him briefly, then quickly shoved her phone into her pocket. Too fast. Almost nervous.
"Waiting for someone's message?" he teased, though his tone came out sharper than he intended.
"No… just checking the time."
They returned to the bench, but the space between them felt different. The evening breeze carried the faint scent of rain, cool and unsettling.
James wanted to take her hand, but Daisy pulled her jacket tighter around herself, as if guarding something deep inside.
"James…" Her voice was barely a whisper. "If one day… I'm not here anymore, would you be mad?"
The question stopped him cold. "What do you mean, not here?"
Daisy smiled faintly. A smile that answered nothing.. "Um.. let's go home"
He stared at her, searching for the meaning beneath her words. But like the ripples in the pond, it vanished before he could grasp it.
"Wanna know something?" she asked, looking at him with a mix of playfulness and hesitation.
"What?" he turned toward her, waiting.
But instead of answering, she shook her head quickly. "Never mind." She smiled a little, but her hands were clasped tightly in her lap, as if holding something in.
"You're acting weird," James said.
"Let me," she replied shortly, eyes downcast, exhaling slowly.
Silence. Only the soft splash of water breaking the stillness. Then Daisy's phone vibrated in her hand. Her eyes widened for a second before she hit silent and slipped it back into her pocket.
"Who was that?" James asked, searching her expression.
"A friend," she said quickly, smiling faintly as if to smother his suspicion. "Not important."
He wanted to press, but something inside told him not to. There was a tone in her voice. A distance. That he wasn't used to.
So instead, James took her hand, holding it warm between his own. "Whatever it is, you can tell me."
Daisy looked at their joined hands for a long time, her lips trembling as if to speak. But all she said was, "I know."
The sun dipped lower, the sky painted in shades of burning orange. Beneath the beauty of the evening, something unseen lingered. A thin, invisible space that had begun to form.
And James, without realizing it, was standing right on the edge of a loss far greater than he could imagine.