A gentle touch on my shoulder stirred me from the depths of sleep.
The sensation was soft, like a feather brushing against my skin.
I blinked groggily, the remnants of dreams still clinging to the edges of my mind as I slowly opened my eyes.
The first thing I saw was Zoe, her face close to mine, her expression calm and warm.
Her hand rested lightly on my arm, the contact both soothing and bittersweet.
"I'm leaving," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur, as if she didn't want to break the fragile stillness of the morning.
The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow around her, making her look almost ethereal.
I nodded, pushing aside the lingering haze of sleep.
I sat up, the weight of the night's rest still heavy on my limbs, but I didn't hesitate.
I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood, following her to the door.
The air was crisp and cool as we stepped outside.
