The next day...
Hazel's eyes shot open at the faint sound of footsteps moving across the room.
Still lying on the bed, she slowly turned, and there he was. Vladimir, fully dressed up, straightening the cufflinks on his crisp white shirt. Light from the window touched the edges of his hair, giving him a charming look.
"Good morning, Vladimir," she whispered.
"Morning, Hazel," he replied, his tone calm as he fastened the last button.
"You're leaving for work?" she asked, confusion flickering across her face. It was a weekend, shouldn't he be resting?
"Yeah," he sighed, turning slightly toward her. "Something came up at the company. I can't ignore it."
Hazel's brow knitted in worry, and Vladimir noticed instantly. He walked over and sat beside her, the mattress dipping under his weight.
"Don't worry," he said softly. "I'll be back soon. Do you feel pain anywhere?" His fingers brushed her cheek gently, carefully, like she was something precious he didn't want to break.
