The rain started in the early hours, a steady, relentless downpour that washed the streets clean and left the city glistening like a jewel in the dim light of dawn. Max stood at the window, watching the rivulets of water snake down the glass, tracing intricate patterns. The city never slept, never stopped, but in this quiet moment, it felt as if it was holding its breath, waiting for the next move in a game that never ended.
Vivian was at the stove, brewing coffee that filled the apartment with its comforting aroma. Elena sat at the table, her fingers tapping out a restless rhythm on the wooden surface. They had survived the initial fallout, but the tension was palpable, a heavy weight pressing down on them.
Max turned from the window, his eyes meeting Vivian's. She offered a small, weary smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "We should get out of the city for a while," she said softly, her voice barely audible over the rain.
