[Book 2] LII

REBECCA

I roused from slumber to find the expanse of the bed empty beside me, an unexpected void that jolted me into alertness. Swiftly, I elevated myself into a sitting position, my eyes grappling with the persistent morning radiance as I blinked away the remnants of sleep.

Emerging from the covers, I navigated my way toward the crib stationed nearby, only to discover it vacant, devoid of the presence I anticipated. My recollection painted a picture of Artemy embarking on his early morning ritual to tend to Cevia. Had they not returned to the comfort of our shared sanctuary?

While enveloping myself in a robe, I embarked on a trajectory towards the bathroom, swiftly tending to the ritual of dental hygiene and facial invigoration. With my hair haphazardly ensnared