na'

after was str

only to find the other side untouched. He hadn't come i

ke cedar and winter mint. But it felt colder now - like

My hand instinctively moved to my stomach, resting gently there. T

ially

he steam curled around my skin, I closed my eyes and tried to wash away the ache in my chest.

dining table already set. Two plates. Warm food.

t need t

e chaise lounge, wearing a silk robe that looked far too familiar - one of mine. The pa

like it bel

into a delicate porcelain cup. He handed it to her

in silence, u

she spo

like we were old friends. "

a, smiling behind

his eyes flicker

up early,

e," I replie

ce. Only the clink of Vivian's spo

be. "I didn't have anything cozy to sleep in last night. I fo

id no

what co

h opened slightly like he wanted t

the restaurant," I said instead,

said. "I wan

pau

ayed seate

htly toward hi

trange. I should've prepared you better.

l like she's always be

f his neck. "She doesn't. She's jus

en my robe and my breakfast. At this

ed sharply. "T

hispered.

fore he co

-

lame, the world

nt of herbs, the rhythm of my t

while,

ch rush with her clipboard, eyebrows ra

weakly.

ee or a one-way t

Bo

ncil wants your final decision by tomorrow. You're one of five chosen fo

orner of the desk - on the tiny ultrasou

eady to dec

-

hallway smelled different. Sweet. Like vanill

an's

the armrest. And the bookshelf in the hallway - the one where I kept old pack h

wasn't ther

against the wall. My chest ached w

n't stay

s settl

home yet. Good. I didn't think I could face him withou

oom door and pul

t to see the