I woke before dawn, the first rays of sunlight creeping through the curtains casting a soft glow over the room. Elara lay beside me, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. She looked peaceful, almost ethereal, with a faint smile playing on her lips.
My heart swelled at the sight, and for a moment, I let myself bask in the serenity of the moment. Seeing her like this made everything worthwhile.
With a heavy heart, I knew I had to leave the warmth of our bed. Carefully, so as not to wake her, I slipped out of bed and padded across the room to the bathroom.
The cold tiles under my feet were a stark contrast to the warmth of the bed, and I shivered slightly as I turned on the shower. Stepping under the hot spray, I let the water cascade over me, washing away the remnants of sleep and the worries that lingered from the previous day.
