It was happening. She's never been in love before, but she knows this must be how it feels. She studies his features, so peaceful as he sleeps. Tracing up his forearm, she admires the way his skin feels against her fingertip. Cliff's eyes flutter open, wide and welcoming through the darkness.

Ever noticed the way her stomach dropped when he woke up. She notices how large her smile becomes as he takes her hand, and holds it in both of his. ?She loves the touch of his skin. She loves how his eyes wrinkle every time he smiles. She loves the way he looks at her, the way he's looking at her right now. She wants it to be like this forever, with Cliff, but she knows it won't last, that nothing can last.

“Hey beautiful,” he says, smiling in Ever’s direction. He shifts up the bed to allow her to rest her head on his bare chest. “What time is it?”

“Don’t know. I couldn’t sleep.” Ever closes her eyes as he begins to play with her mess of hair. She tries to imagine herself without Cliff holding her how he is now, but it’s impossible. She’s safe with Cliff, safe in his arms.

“What are you thinking of?” He waits for her to respond, but she doesn’t. Ever dissolves in tears, knowing she can’t tell him. She’s going to die, and he’s never going to move on.

Cliff caresses her forehead, and smoothes through her hair. He hums the tune to “Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop,” then begins to sing it. Each note is perfect from his mouth.
“If I didn’t know you, I’d rather not know
If I couldn’t have you, I’d rather be alone…”

He breathes out the lyrics, so softly, so carefully. If he realized Ever was crying he was smart enough not to say so. By the time he finishes the song Ever is calmed down enough to speak. “You’re perfect, Cliff Anderson, and I never want to leave you.”

“I hope you’ll never have to.” Evers heart skips a beat, and she forgets how to breathe for a moment. “You’ve only been apart of my life for seven weeks and four days. But seven weeks and four days ago was the day my life began.” Now her heart is beating so rapidly, she’s surprised Cliff can’t hear it. “And Ever Johnston—I think I’m in love you.”