"I know," I sigh, and give his hand a squeeze. "I just want you to be willing to reach out and grab the things you want. To fight for the things that are important to you, not just for other people."

I tug him closer, turning so that we're standing face to face, and then wrapping my arms around him, over and around his shoulder, the other around his wait. I hug him tightly, my face pressed against his neck, nose tucked up beneath his ear.

I breathe in his scent, and it mingles with the smells of winter. I sway a little as I hug him, and sigh.

"I won't leave." I can't leave him, and I don't really want to. "But I am going to find somewhere to work that's not the restaurant. Find my own niche in the world. Find some times where I can be just me."