- Nikolai Volkov:
This morning, I woke up earlier than usual. My eyes drifted open slowly, expecting to feel Damon's warmth next to me, but the bed beside me was empty.
For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, trying to shake off the last of sleep.
The room was quiet, filled with that calm, early-morning stillness, but I already missed the feeling of him there beside me.
After a while, I got up, rubbing my eyes as I made my way out of the bedroom.
There was only one place I knew he'd be at this hour.
I took a quick shower then padded down the hallway and toward the kitchen, my footsteps light.
Sure enough, there he was, standing by the counter, a mug of coffee steaming in his hand.
Damon was wearing just his sweatpants, as usual, bare-chested, his hair still a bit tousled.
He looked so at ease, so at home in that early morning quiet, and just seeing him there brought a soft smile to my face.
