Ich liebe dich so oder so

Right after our talk, we didn't mention it again as we headed to bed. Mildred also returned, briefly declaring she was done, without saying more in Sam's presence.

"Sam?" I rolled onto my side of the bed and gazed at Sam, who was lying on his side, resting his forehead against his knuckles, facing me.

"Hmm?"

"Which place do you want to show me first?" I asked softly, but loud enough for him to hear.

Sam considered for a moment. "Perhaps the eastern continent? The people of the west might call them barbaric, but they are more than the label they've been given. The easterners have cultivated a refined aesthetic, and their culture is incredibly rich and distinct from ours."

"Did you spend a lot of time there?"