—-
"I– I can wash myself." Samantha quietly protested when Ivan grabbed the towel and moved to the edge of the tent where the basin was kept. Lucy had been thoughtful enough to place the wide basin at the farthest corner of the dome structure, away from the thick, wide cotton fabric spread she assumed was going to be their temporary sleeping bag.
"Come here." Ivan extended both his hands, his voice a soothing melody that she couldn't bring herself to resist. She approached where he stood, receiving his hand and allowing him pull her effortlessly into his embrace. Just that one simple, affectionate gesture nearly brought tears to her eyes again, and it wasn't because he was hugging her– she was afraid of what would happen to her mental health if she suddenly woke up and realized his presence was nothing more than a dream again.
"I'm here now, allow me to take care of you from here onwards." He murmured, and Samantha said nothing against it.
