"Where you been?" Jerome asks when I come home late. I shrug. "Around." I strip down and head to the bathroom. He follows me, "you wit Shawn?"

"No," I lie and hop in the shower. I can see through the glass my man leaning against the couner, arms crossed, eyeing me. He's silent when I come out, my towel wrapped aroud me and I brush my teeth, "You hungry still?"

He's silent, staring down at me, his eye running over my still wet body. When I'm done, he grabs my throat and growls, looking dead in my eyes, "You're mine and only mine."

"I know." I say calmly. He lets go and walks off, "Make me something."

"Okay," I respond, barely hearing my own voice.

After getting dressed in my silk nightgown and robe, I make my way to the kitchen and whip up some spaghetti and meatsauce. "Here you go," i slide him a plate. He doesn't look at it, "are you eating?"

"I'm not hungry," I offer a small smile. "I'm going to turn in for the night. There's more on the stove if you want."

"I move to walk off but Jerome catches my hand, pulling me to him. He gives me a quick kiss, "Goodnight."

"Night," I murmur. In my room, I toss and turn, restless. I was diagnosed with minor depression, which makes sense. I haven't been eating, I've been feeling down, and less motivated to do things.

I'm just stagnant. Staring and the French doors leading out, I hear Jerome come in. I immedietly still and close my eyes. I listen as he takes his shower and brushes his teeth in the bathroom. When he comes out, I can feel him standing in front of me.

After a moment he sighs and plants a soft kiss on my forehead. When he climbs in bed, he brings me a bit closer to him. I want to smile...but I can't...my heart won't let me