Ashleigh stared at the closing door. She clenched her jaw as the hot tears gathered once more. Finally, she leaned against the wall and brought her knees to her chest.
“Please…” she whispered, closing her eyes. “Please…”
Ashleigh slowed her breathing. Focusing on each breath, in and out. She listened to the sound of the air passing through her nose and the feel of her lungs expanding.
The familiar warmth settled over her skin. She reached her hand down to the bed below her, scrunching their blanket between her fingers. Taking a deep breath, she inhaled the scent of their home.
Ashleigh opened her eyes, and the treehouse took shape all around her. The large open window, the hidden kitchen, the living area.
She sat on their bed, turning to his spot. Ashleigh picked up his pillow and hugged it to her chest. His scent lingered on it.
“Caleb…” she whispered longingly.
