Clara
I wake up… and for a second I don't know where I am... It's not because of the place, it's because of the feeling.
It's different.
Quieter... warmer... I blink slowly, and then I remember. Ethan.
I turn my head just a little... and there he is. Asleep next to me.
His breathing is deep, stable. One of his hands is close to me, as if even in his sleep he doesn't want to get too far away. I watch him in silence, and something inside me... softens.
Because there is no tension, there is no uncomfortable distance. There is no weight that used to be among us. Only... calm.
I take a deep breath and sit up being careful not to wake him, but I barely move...
"Are you awake yet?" he murmurs, his voice still hoarse.
I smile without being able to help it.
"I think so..."
He opens his
