EVELYN’S POV

The sunlight cast a golden glow on my body through the curtains, entering directly into my eyes and forcing them open. I squinted against the brightness, disoriented. It was morning already, though the night had felt far too short.

As usual, Leonard wasn’t in bed. I turned toward the door, half-expecting him to walk in with my morning coffee, as he often did. Ten minutes passed, and still, he didn’t show up.

A wave of anger washed over me. Why would he just leave without letting me know? Tears stung at the corners of my eyes. I needed him around—his presence was my comfort. Had he left because...