The bedroom door opened and shut with a bang, causing Anne to almost jump off the bed in surprise. "Gilbert, you're home later than usual. Did something happen at work today?"

Gilbert shrugged off his jacket before wrestling with his shirt and tie and throwing his articles of clothing across the room. "Pushy patients, a demanding boss, mountains of paperwork, long hours…."

He leaned against the bedpost and closed his eyes. "Honestly, Anne. I mean, I want to continue being a doctor. It's just so hard, and I'm home so late, and we don't get nearly enough time together and..."

Anne took his hand in hers. "Surely you expected that. I expected it, and I married you, right?" She pressed a kiss against their clasped hands. "Why don't you get some supper? I made some stew. Marilla's recipe, so hopefully, it will be edible this time."

He laughed a little, and Anne laughed with him, loving how easy it was to cheer him up.

His eyes darkened as they stared into her own, causing her to shift on the bed.

"I'm hungry…but not for food…"

Anne swallowed, her heart thumping in her chest. "Gilbert, you should eat something. I don't want you to get…"

"I want you."

"All right."

Suddenly, Gilbert was everywhere. On top of her, surrounding her with his entire body. Anne welcomed his consuming kisses, relishing the feel of his hands in her hair. She gasped at his ministrations, desperate rather than his usual tenderness. He groaned in response, bunching up her nightgown and letting his fingers run over her skin.

"Gilbert?"

He swooped down to kiss her exposed midriff. "Hmmm?"

"This is…"

He lifted his head to look at her. "Too much?"

"I was going to say different…"

He scooted upwards to kiss her tenderly. "Do you want me to slow down?"

She bit her lip and nodded. "A little."

"I'm sorry, my love."

She ran a comforting hand through his hair. "Stressed?"

Gilbert nodded and kissed along her neck, much more gently this time. "Tell me about it," Anne whispered, closing her eyes in pleasure.

He unbuttoned her nightgown, placing soft, opened-mouthed kisses everywhere he could reach. Anne wasn't sure if he had heard her request and questioned him again. "Gilbert? Tell me about your stress."

He chuckled, the vibrations of his mouth against her skin sending shockwaves through her. "Well, let's just say my work involves more than just dissecting mice…."

Mice?

Anne suddenly felt transported away in an instant, far away from the comfort, warmth and intimacy of their bedroom to that cold, dark, morbid orphanage.

"No more squeaking!"

"No one will ever want you!"

"You homely, freckled-faced, red-headed witch!"

"Garbage! That's what you are! Disposable garbage!"

"Anne? Anne?"

Anne opened her eyes to find Gilbert staring down at her, his face full of concern. "Come here, love." Gilbert sat her up and gathered her into his arms, holding her firmly in his lap. She rested her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes as he stroked hair. "It's all right. I'm here. You're safe." He pulled back from her and drew her in for a tender kiss. "Get into bed, all right," he whispered against her lips. "I'll get you some water."

Anne nodded and got under the covers while Gilbert exited the room. She cursed herself for having a flashback at a time like this! She thought she was done with them...

Gilbert returned and gave her a mug. "Drink this." She took a couple of sips before placing it on the bedside table, scooting over so that Gilbert could get into bed beside her. He gathered her shaking form into his arms again. "I thought they were gone," he whispered into her hair. "I thought you didn't get any more flashbacks."

"I thought so too. But obviously not. I don't think I'll ever be rid of them..."

"Oh, Anne…" He held her even tighter against him. "Tell me what I can do to help you. I know this probably goes beyond my field of expertise but…"

Anne cut him off with a shake of her head. "There's nothing you can do. I'll just have to keep living with them."

"That's not good enough, my love. You shouldn't have to deal with then ever. Maybe you could see someone or..."

Anne pressed her lips against his chest, wanting nothing more than to lose herself in him once again. Gilbert gasped at the tender gesture and stroked the top of her head, whispering endearments into her hair. "Anne, not tonight. We need to talk about this."

"Will you be with me, please? Like how you were before?"

Gilbert's heart fluttered at the vulnerability in her voice, wanting nothing more than to make love to her. He held himself back, however, knowing it wasn't the right time. "No. Not like this. Not when we're both distracted."

"But…"

He pressed a finger to her lips. "We need to talk. Communicate. That was our problem before."

Anne nodded in agreement and leaned further into his embrace.

"What was the flashback? What were you remembering?"

She shuddered at the memory. "The orphanage. The girls held a mouse over my face."

"So the flashbacks are triggered by words or…

"Yes. Words, sounds, sometimes smells."

He looked into her eyes. "You'll let me know when you get them, won't you?" He cupped her cheek, staring into her eyes. "Anne, do you hear me? I don't want you dealing with them alone."

"I promise."

They remained silent for a couple of seconds before Anne broke it.

"Now, about you and your stress at work…"

Gilbert didn't make love to her that night. Instead, they spent the night talking before eventually falling asleep in each other's arms.