CLAIRE
I woke up before my alarm and for a few seconds, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, not moving, not thinking. Then I heard a faint sound from the kitchen, cabinets opening, the low hum of the coffee machine. Julian.
The word settled in my chest slowly, like it needed a second to make sense, he was back. I pushed the covers off and sat up, running a hand through my hair. The room felt the same, nothing had changed, and yet…
I swung my legs off the bed and stood, grabbing a light sweater before stepping out into the hallway, the smell of coffee hit me first, fresh and strong.
I walked into the kitchen and found him standing by the counter, sleeves rolled up, one hand braced against the edge while the other poured coffee into a mug. He glanced up when he heard me.
“Morning.
