CLAIRE
Monday morning arrived too quickly. I woke up early, knowing Julian's flight was at noon, and found him already in the kitchen making coffee.
"Morning," he said, glancing up. "I made extra."
"Thanks," I replied, pouring myself a cup.
We moved around each other in familiar silence, but it felt different today, heavier somehow. Julian's suitcase sat by the door, packed and ready, a reminder that he'd be gone in a few hours.
"What time do you need to leave for the airport?" I asked.
"Ten thirty," Julian replied, checking his watch. "The car's coming at ten."
Less than two hours. I sipped my coffee, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest. "Do you have everything you need?" I asked. "Chargers, documents, all that?"
"Yes," Julian said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I've d
