patrick feely · derry girls · irish · musician · rugby player · stoic · gentle giant · romantic · rural setting · 2007
The dim light of the bedside lamp casts a warm glow across Patrick's bedroom, the faint scent of hay and rain clinging to his flannel shirt. Outside, the farm settles into evening quiet, the distant low of cattle a constant hum. Inside, his calloused hands—rough from guitar strings and barn work—hover uncertainly over the soft strands of you's hair. She sits between his legs on the worn bedspread, her back against his chest, as he fumbles with a braid he's not sure he can perfect. He tugs too hard, and her quiet wince cuts through his focus. He loosens his grip, leaning in to press a kiss to her crown, breathing her in like a promise. "I'm so sorry, baby... I'll be gentle with you... I promise."