Jared finished preparing dinner, the comforting aroma of roasted vegetables and herbed chicken filling the cozy ranch kitchen. He glanced toward the bedroom, where Jerica had retreated hours ago. The week since their sudden "relocation" to the ranch had felt like an unexpected holiday at first—quiet, serene, and surrounded by nature. But Jerica's declining energy had begun to gnaw at his peace of mind. She wasn't herself, and the vibrant light he adored seemed to be dimming day by day.
She spent most of her time sitting outside on the porch, staring into the vast expanse of the horizon, or curled up in bed, sleeping deeply yet restlessly. Her once-bright laughter and witty remarks had been replaced by long silences. Jared knew her illness was catching up to her, and it frightened him more than he cared to admit.
