Shocked at what she saw

Freda’s POV

As I slowly opened my eyes, the warm rays of the morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. But instead of feeling the usual sense of calm that comes with a new day, my thoughts immediately turned to Hardin.

The events of the previous night played out in my mind like a broken record. I had spent hours in the kitchen, preparing his favorite meal with love and anticipation. The aroma of the dish filled the air, creating an ambiance that was meant to welcome him home. But as the minutes turned into hours, he never showed up.

I remember I had sat at the dining table, my heart sinking with each passing moment. The silence in the house was deafening, broken only by the occasional creak of the floorboards. I waited, hoping for the sound of his key turning in the lock, the familiar sound that would bring a smile to my face. But it never came.

Confusion and worry washed over me, mingling with a tinge of disappointment. Thoughts raced through m