Shifting the Blame

The night had passed quietly.

Without anything out of the ordinary.

All I did was lean on the only person I could rely on, while Derek held me close and steadfastly supported me.

I had been caught with my shoulder pain and spasms flaring up again, even though they'd gotten much better lately, but that was all.

As Derek silently massaged my shoulder and arm while holding me, my emotions surged again, but that was all, too.

We didn't need words between us.

I didn't have to spell out what I wanted Derek to do—or explain exactly why.

It was the same when we woke in the morning.

“Good. Later, you can just leave the trays outside the door at lunchtime and dinner, too.”

I heard Derek's voice...