When Annabel got out of the car, the cool night air pricked her skin. She had a sweet drowsiness that clung to her and her limbs felt heavy.
Fred's hand was there to steady her arm as she staggered a little still half asleep.
“You alright?” he asked
“Yes,” she said in a quiet whisper. “I'm just exhausted.”
As they made their way to the entrance of their building, he continued to place a soft hand on her back.
In addition to the familiar smell of the hallway—a blend of clean air and old brick—the quiet hum of the city was a faraway lullaby.
After a gentle chime, the elevator doors opened and they entered. There was a blanket-like quietness throughout the ascent.
She was already on her way to the couch when the doors opened.
“Annabel,” Fred called.
She sank onto the soft cush
