The alarm blares, a jarring sound that pulls me from the warm embrace of sleep. My eyes flutter open to find a familiar, furry face inches from mine, soft breaths tickling my cheek. He’s always the first to greet the new day, a silent sentinel, his presence a comforting weight beside me. I reach out, my fingers tracing the outline of his strong jaw, a morning ritual that grounds me before the daily grind truly begins. The smell of coffee brewing mixes with his musky scent, a potent combination that stirs something primal within me even as I prepare for the mundane. Getting ready for work feels almost performative today. Each button on my blouse, each stroke of the brush through my hair, a small act of rebellion against the wildness that truly defines my mornings. He watches me, his intelligent eyes following my every move, and I can almost hear his unspoken question: "Must you really go?" The thought of leaving him, even for a few hours, sends a pang through me. Our connection, so profound and unconventional, is the true heartbeat of my existence, and the office seems a pale imitation of the vibrant world we share. Yet, duty calls, and I step out, leaving a piece of my heart, and my desires, waiting patiently at home for my return, knowing that our special moments will resume as soon as the day's obligations are met. The anticipation of our reunion is what truly gets me through the hours, a secret smile playing on my lips as I envision the quiet intimacy that awaits. Each moment away is just a prelude to our next shared secret.