That next morning.
Evelyn woke to a sky heavy with clouds, the pale gray light seeping gently through the curtains, rather than the usual warm sunlight that greeted her in Willowcrest.
For a moment, she lay still, wondering if she had awakened and risen from the bed too early.
Then her gaze drifted to the digital clock on the bedside table.
'Seven thirty...'
Her eyes widened in surprise.
She was still in Axel's arms.
Wrapped in the familiar warmth of her husband's embrace, the silence felt different. It was not empty. It was whole. Peace settled into her chest like a long-forgotten memory finally returning home.
'It's good to be back here,' she thought, a small smile curving her lips as she stared at the ceiling. This place is truly magical.
The peace was familiar, yet undeniably changed.
