Ishiki woke to the sensation of warmth.
The gentle, caressing warmth of morning sunlight filtering through sheer curtains painted the room in golden light.
He pushed himself up, the mattress beneath him sank softly, embracing his weight with the texture of down feathers and silk.
He rubbed his eyes, banishing the last vestiges of a peaceful slumber.
It was the start of yet another day.
Beside him, the breathing of two others created a soft harmony. His wife lay with her arm draped over the small form of their daughter. The little girl was buried deep in the blankets, only a tuft of raven-black hair visible.
Ishiki watched them for a long moment, a profound sense of contentment settling in his chest.
The feeling was alien and unfamiliar. He narrowed his eyes and shook his head. There might be something wrong with him. He had known this feeling for quite some time now.
'They look so peaceful. I shouldn't wake them.'
