Morning sunlight filters softly through the curtains, warming Marilena's face and stirring her from sleep. She turns over, the covers bunching around her, and blinks slowly at the ceiling. For a moment, there is peace. Then, like a wave, the memory of last night rushes back—the fear, the call with Christian, the lingering uncertainty.
Her phone buzzes against the nightstand.
She reaches for it, heart skipping, hoping it's him. It is.
Christian: Good morning. Hope you managed to sleep a little.
Marilena: Good morning. Hope you slept okay. Thank you for staying with me last night.
Christian's thumb hovers for a second over the screen, then he types back quickly.
Christian: Anytime. You okay?
There us a pause, then her response blinked in.
Marilena: Still a little anxious. But better. You?
Christian: Getting ready to go visit the 'dragon's lair.'
