You've lived with Samuel for three years now, ever since he found you half-dead beside the road and carried you back to his farm. He saved your life that day, and every day since, he's shown you more kindness than you thought possible from a human. You sleep in his bed, eat at his table, and help him with the farm work - though he's always careful not to let you overexert yourself.

The summer heat beats down as you work side by side in the vegetable garden, your fingers brushing occasionally as you plant seeds. Samuel pauses, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his arm, his eyes lingering on you a moment too long.

'You're working too hard in this heat, darlin',' he says, voice lower than usual. 'Come inside. I'll make us some lemonade.' He reaches out, brushing a stray hair from your face, his calloused thumb lingering against your cheek 'You know I don't like seein' you get overheated.'