♡OUR BEDROOM — EARLY MORNING
The air is still. The silence is only broken by the slow rhythm of breath — his and mine. His arms are wrapped tightly around me, as if afraid to let go. His chest rises and falls beneath my cheek like a heartbeat I never want to forget.
I stir softly, limbs aching, lips dry. My throat burns faintly, voice hoarse.
"Mmh…" I whimper in my sleep, brow twitching, my body curling closer into his warmth.
My lips move before I fully wake—
A soft, trembling whisper escaping:
"Leo… Tiger…"
The names fall from my lips like a prayer, like a cry from a lost place.
My voice is faint, like a child calling for someone in a dream.
Taehyun tenses. His whole body flinches.
But I'm still waking. My swollen eyes flutter open slowly.
And then I see him.
His face above mine. His eyes already open, already watching me — tired, sad, but gentle. So, so gentle.
"Taehyun…" I breathe, blinking slowly. My eyes feel heavy, but I force them open.
I gaze up at him. Those pleading eyes — broken but soft — searching his soul for something. Anything.
"…Can I…" I whisper, voice rasping, "Can I visit Leo and Tiger…? At the zoo…?"
There's silence.
His throat bobs slowly, his eyes shimmering with something unreadable.
Then, finally, he nods , so slightly I almost miss it.
"…Yeah," he croaks, "yeah, angel… we can visit them."
I smile faintly, eyes half-lidded, exhausted but relieved.
My fingers weakly grip his shirt, pulling it closer against my palm.
"…They must be waiting," I murmur, eyes fluttering again, sleep brushing at me once more. "Leo… Tiger... they'll be happy to see me…"
He doesn't answer.
His hand gently strokes the back of my head.
His eyes burn.
Because only he knows...
Only Leo survived.
And Tiger is gone.
But he won't let me grieve that.
He won't let me break.
He would rather bear the guilt alone, protect my fragile mind even if it means lying.
So he kisses my forehead softly.
Like a secret apology I'll never hear.
"Sleep," he whispers, "I'll take you soon."
And I drift again in his arms
Smiling faintly…
---
MORNING – OUR HOME
Sunlight filters through the curtains, painting soft golden stripes across the bedroom floor. The world outside is waking up, but my world? It's already spinning, rushing, crashing with emotion.
I sit up slowly, wincing as pain shoots through my ankle. My whole body still aches from that night
From the road.
The collapse.
The alcohol.
The heartbreak.
But today, I ignore it.
Because today…
I'm going to see Leo and Tiger.
"Careful," Taehyun murmurs as he hurries to support me, already at my side, arms around me.
I don't say anything. I don't even look at him.
I just let him help me up, limp into the bathroom, take my time washing up, brush through my hair with fingers, then return dragging my injured foot slightly.
Breakfast is ready.
He made it. Of course he did. The plate's still steaming
My favorite things. Nothing fancy. Just soft rice, soup, fruit slices.
He watches me cautiously, expecting me to ignore it like last night.
But I sit down. Quietly. Eat. Slowly.
I don't protest when he holds out the painkillers.
I take them, sip water, wipe my lips, and don't even glance at him.
And for the first time in hours, he looks confused.
As if he's unsure whether I'm better or… more broken.
But the truth?
Maybe I really am mentally unstable.
I laugh softly to myself. Bitter. Quiet.
Why else would I act like this?
Smiling softly at the thought of seeing my babies…
…while ignoring the man who shattered me?
Why else would I forgive him so easily?
No apology. No explanation. Yet here I am… hopeful.
"You're not wearing heels," he says suddenly, holding a pair of flat shoes.
I glance down at the shoes, then at my wrapped ankle.
I get up, grip the edge of the table for balance.
"I'm ready," I say.
He walks to me silently and carefully lifts me into his arms without asking. His touch is soft, warm, yet heavy with guilt.
I should scream.
Kick him.
Curse him.
But instead, I just rest my head against his shoulder.
I close my eyes, inhaling the faint scent of his shirt.
And maybe, just maybe…
…I'm acting childish because it's easier than breaking down again.
Because if I don't hold on to Leo and Tiger,
I'll lose whatever's left of myself.
♡ZOO – PRIVATE ENCLOSURE
The moment the car stopped, I didn't wait.
I threw the door open before Taehyun could even unbuckle his seatbelt.
My heart was racing faster than my injured steps.
My soul already reached before my body did.
And then I saw him
"LEO!" I shouted, breath caught in my throat.
The majestic white lion my baby was running, fur flowing like sunlight in motion, golden eyes lighting up the entire earth as he dashed toward the gate.
A loud, thunderous roar but not of fear. Of joy.
He recognized me.
"Leo…!" I gasped, kneeling without care, arms wide open.
The gate opened and he leapt into my embrace, careful yet desperate, nuzzling, licking, purring like a giant kitten as he rubbed his massive head against my face and neck, as if trying to smell every bit of me.
"I missed you," I whisper, choking on tears. "My brave boy…"
Taehyun stood back, quiet. Watching.
I buried my face in Leo's mane, giggling, crying, petting him endlessly.
Then… I blinked.
Where's my mischief?
Where's Tiger?
I looked up.
Another tiger cub came prancing forward, smaller, timid.
He licked my hand, rubbed against my side, tried to climb into my lap.
But something felt… off.
Not him.
He wasn't clingy. He didn't throw tantrums.
Didn't whine for my attention.
Didn't nip at Taehyun or snuggle into my scarf like he used to.
He was gentle. Calm.
Sweet, even.
I forced a smile.
Maybe he changed. Maybe he matured. Maybe…
My thoughts blurred as Leo tackled me gently, growling playfully.
I squealed, falling back into the grass as both animals nuzzled and circled me.
The pain in my ankle flared, but I ignored it.
For hours, I played like a child laughing, rolling on the ground, throwing pieces of meat, letting Leo chase my scarf, hugging the tiger cub tight.
I forgot everything.
The hospital.
The doctor's words.
Even Taehyun.
I was just me again.
Their mother.
But still…
Every time I looked at the tiger cub, something twisted in my chest.
Where was the wild spark?
Where was my tiger who couldn't stay still for a second?
Why does he feel like a stranger?