The past two days blurred together, a deceptive calm where nothing seemed to have changed-work, sleep, eat, small stolen kisses with Lukas in empty alcoves or behind the medication-room door, gossip with Olga and Hannah over lukewarm break-room coffee. It was all pleasant, but too pleasant, like a bandage concealing a wound.

Something just doesn't feel right. You know that moment you have too much peace and you know something terrible has been brewing? Yeah, that feeling.

I had returned to my own apartment last night, telling Lukas I needed space, a chance to breathe in my own surroundings. He didn't argue, only kissed my forehead, reminding me to text...