A light in the woods.

I wonder if you ever feel like you're wandering through a dark forest, my love… no clear path to follow, dangers at every turn.

And maybe you've spotted a light, off between the trees, off in the distance. And it's so warm and inviting, seeming to promise safety, warmth, and maybe even a good meal.

But, you've been in this forest for such a long time… you know it's full of tricks, animals with soft paws but sharp claws, spiders ready to lull you to an endless sleep…

Baby, the woods are scary. I know. I know.

And Baby, I am flawed. Deeply.

But I love you. Every last bit of you, all the shallows and all the depths. The parts I understand, the parts maybe I never will.

I have room enough in this heart, babe.

I may not be able to promise you much, but I can promise you that.

But maybe your time in the forest has taught you fear, taught you to reserve your trust. And I get that, too, babe… I do.

But, babe… the claws in these soft paws only ever come out when you ask them to. And the only lulling I'll ever do is holding you tight in my arms while letting your heart nestle within mine…

But maybe you've even approached such a beacon before, only for it to vanish just as soon as you stepped into its glow.

But, baby. This light? The one from me? It is to you. And that fire…

It will never, ever, ever go out.

No matter what's hiding in your shadows, baby. I'm not afraid of the dark… or of depth.

But, baby. You don't have to rush in.

Take your time, if that's what you need. Come only as close as you feel safe. Scout around, hide behind some trees if that brings you comfort.

I'll be here. Tending that fire for you… keeping it warm, keeping it lit. Making sure it never, ever goes out.

I will stay, babe.

Always.

And, love. This fire is yours, just as soon as you're ready.

Yours.