Redhawk Caldera Love like ours ain't a masterpiece

this is just so relatable:

She knew that Eljay would probably tell her if something did change, but her mind wouldn't have let it go if she hadn't asked.

Eljay smiled when Maia said she wanted it if nothing changed for either of them. It seemed that they were on the same page, then. There was something weird in the way that she mentioned 'if nothing changed'. Was she implying that he was getting older? He didn't comment on it, though. And he knew that he was getting older. It was just that it wasn't something he liked to think about too much, himself. He didn't feel old, as such.

I agree, said Eljay with a soft smile. Even if this year was tougher and the children were more outgoing and more of them — which meant more vigilance and mess-cleaning was required — he wouldn't change it for the world.

Eljay leaned against Maia's soft fur and let out a content sigh while he closed his eyes. He could feel sleep lap at his mind, trying to weaken it and carry him back into nap-land.