Evening settled across the apartment with a soft glow that blended gently with the city lights outside. Violet moved through the hallway at a steady pace, her bag hanging loosely from her shoulder. Her body carried the pleasant fatigue that came with a productive day nothing sharp, nothing overwhelming, nothing that demanded more from her than she had already given.

She placed her things on the console table near the entrance and paused. A faint aroma drifted from the kitchen. It wasn’t strong or hurried. It lingered with a warm invitation she didn’t have to interpret.

Bryan stood near the counter, sleeves rolled halfway up, carefully pouring broth into a...