The house was quiet when Melisa entered. The scent of lavender from the diffuser in the corner calmed her senses, and she let her heels slip off, sighing as her feet touched the soft carpet. The day had been more exhausting than she anticipated—emotionally, more than anything else.
But a warmth lingered in her chest as she thought of Leonard's thoughtful gestures. His quiet presence, his patient understanding, and the way he seemed to respect her unspoken boundaries—it made her feel seen, in a way she hadn't realized she'd craved.
She stood by the window, letting the moonlight wash over her face, tracing the silver bracelet still wrapped delicately around her wrist. She hadn't taken it off, and she didn't feel like she would anytime soon.
Her phone buzzed on the side table, snapping her out of her daze.
A message from Leonard.
"Rest well tonight, birthday girl. You deserve it."
