Ellen shifted in her sleep, her hand sliding over to where Mason usually lay. Instead of feeling his warmth, all she found was the cold bed. A slight frown crossed her face as she woke up. She opened her eyes and looked around for him in the shadows, but he was just not there. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up and let out a soft sigh.
It had been a few days since the whole thing with Hans, but Ellen could tell it was still bothering Mason. He had changed, growing quieter and more distant, though not with her. And she understood it was only natural. Mason needed time to process it all, about his family and Hans. And if he needed space, if he needed days, weeks—even years—to deal with it, Ellen knew she would be there for him.
She kicked her legs out of bed, stood up, and slipped into a warm sweater to chase away the morning cold as she left the room. As she walked down the hallway, she headed toward the light shining from the living room. She spotted him immediately.
