AVA'S POV
There was something serene about waking up without the urgency of an alarm clock, especially after so many mornings where my body jolted awake from tension alone.
The golden morning light slipped through the half-open blinds and warmed my skin.
I stretched slowly, my arm grazing the space beside me.
Empty.
Ethan's side of the bed was already cold, and I could hear the faint clink of ceramic from the kitchen.
I smiled to myself and sat up, pulling the blanket around my legs. The quiet was kind today.
By the time I shuffled into the kitchen, Ethan was leaning against the counter, sipping from a mug, his phone in the other hand.
He looked up as I entered, his face lighting up in that way that still made my stomach flip.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," he said, setting the phone down. "Coffee or tea?"
"Tea," I replied, voice still thick with sleep. "And a hug. In that order."
