Dumplings

He acted like they were a damn miracle. Like he couldn't believe I would come over and cook just for him. He ate them slowly and very intently, meticulously scooping equal portions of chicken, vegetables, dumpling and broth into each spoonful. And then he fell asleep curled up against me on the couch, holding my hand. I woke him up eventually and made him go to bed, of course. This morning he got up  ever so carefully and dressed, then he sat on the edge of the bed and bent over me, cradled his arms around my head. He pressed his cheek against mine, told me I could sleep in, kissed me and went to work. I can't get too attached to the feeling, but it was a good one.  It's been such a long time since someone told me to sleep in and kissed me goodbye.

He acted like no one has ever just... taken care of him. Like it was a foreign concept.