CLAIRE

Monday morning arrived too quickly. I woke up early, knowing Julian's flight was at noon, and found him already in the kitchen making coffee.

"Morning," he said, glancing up. "I made extra."

"Thanks," I replied, pouring myself a cup.

We moved around each other in familiar silence, but it felt different today, heavier somehow. Julian's suitcase sat by the door, packed and ready, a reminder that he'd be gone in a few hours.

"What time do you need to leave for the airport?" I asked.

"Ten thirty," Julian replied, checking his watch. "The car's coming at ten."

Less than two hours. I sipped my coffee, trying to ignore the...