SILAS

The morning light was just beginning to filter through the heavy curtains, painting the bedroom in quiet shades of gray.

I woke up before she did.

Maya was still tucked against me exactly the way she had fallen asleep sometime during the night. The weight of her body, warm and soft, was still pressed flush against mine.

One of my arms remained wrapped securely around her waist while her head rested just beneath my shoulder, her breathing slow and even.

Slowly, carefully, I lifted my other hand and brushed a stray lock of dark hair away from her face.

Then I just looked at her.

At the soft curve...