As the clock striks 12 p.m., Carla's stirs in bed, the remnants of her deep sleep slowly lifting. The warm milk had worked its magic, and she feels much more refreshed. She turns in the bed, her hand reaching out instinctively, but Derek's side is cold and empty. He must have gone out as planned.
The apartment is quiet, except for the soft ticking of the clock on the bedside table. Stretching, Carla slips out of bed, her body still adjusting to being awake. She grabs her phone from the nightstand, quickly checking her messages. Nothing urgent. With a yawn, she stands, heading toward the kitchen to get some breakfast.
As she steps into the kitchen, she notices a small note left on the counter, Derek's familiar handwriting scribbled across it.
_Hey babe, didn't want to wake you. I'll be back by noon. Call me if you need anything. - D.....xo