017

THE faint glow of dawn spilled through the curtains, painting the room in soft hues of gray and gold. Amelia knelt at the bedside, her hands clasped, lips moving in quiet supplication. The steady rise and fall of Adrian’s chest on the bed behind her told her he was still lost in sleep.

She whispered her final “Amen” and opened her eyes just as a sharp vibration broke the silence. Adrian’s phone lit up on the nightstand beside her. Curious, she tilted it slightly and frowned at the name flashing on the screen.

The Automobile Guy.

“Baby,” she called softly, giving his arm a gentle tap.

He didn’t stir.

She tapped again, firmer this time. He jolted awake with a start, blinking hard.

“Hey, babe,” she said, pointing at the glowing screen. “The Automobile Guy is calling.”

He reached out groggily, squinting at the phone before rubbing his eyes.

“Why is he calling this early?” Amelia asked, her tone laced with curiosity.

Adrian sighed, voice still heavy with sleep. 

“I told him yesterday to come check out the company cars.”

Her brows lifted. 

“Oh? You told him yourself? That wasn’t your job the last time I checked.”

“I had to handle it this time. It is not a big deal… or is it?”

She gave him a soft smile. 

“No, not at all.”

But he was already frowning, irritation slipping into his voice. 

“Still, what is wrong with this guy? Calling at dawn for something scheduled mid-day. Always being stupid.”

Amelia reached for his hand, her thumb brushing over his skin with a calming touch. 

“It is alright, babes. Don’t let this get you worked up. Too early for anger.”

He met her gaze, his shoulders easing. A faint smile tugged at his lips. 

“You are right. I won’t.”

“Hope you slept well?” She asked softly.

The smiles deepened.

“I so did, and you?”

She nodded.

“So did I. What would you like for breakfast? Should I make something special, or stick to the timetable?” she asked, rising to her feet.

“Timetable, please. Hazel loves it when you stick to it.”

She nodded. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her palm.

“Alright. I will get that done, then help her get ready for school.”

“Okay,” he murmured, already sinking back into the pillows.

Amelia slipped out, the door creaking softly behind her.

The moment it clicked shut, Adrian’s eyes flew open. He shot upright, grabbed his phone, and scrolled rapidly. A low groan escaped him as he buried his face in his palms.

***

Adrian stepped out of the house, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt as the cool morning air brushed against his skin. His steps were brisk, almost impatient, as he made his way to the driveway. Sliding his briefcase onto the backseat of the sleek car, he lowered himself into the driver’s seat and shut the door with a soft thud.

Almost immediately, he pulled out his phone and dialed. The call connected on the first ring.

“Babes,” came a sweet, sharp voice, warm with anticipation.

“Hey, hey… Vivian,” Adrian said, his tone tight. “What was that for?”

“What was what?” she asked innocently.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling hard. 

“Why would you call me at five in the morning? My wife was right there, she almost picked up the phone.”

A soft pout colored her words. 

“Aww, I’m sorry. I just… missed hearing your voice. That is why I broke the rule.”

“Oh, please.” His voice hardened. “I have told you several times, don’t call before ten a.m., haven’t I?”

“You have,” she admitted, then quickly added, “but like I said, I missed your—”

“Cut that crap, Vivian,” he interrupted. “What is the issue?”

There was a pause, then a long sigh on the other end. 

“Okay, fine. You caught me. I woke up feeling nauseous and… I wanted to feed you in on it, that is all.”

Silence stretched for a moment as Adrian’s jaw tightened. Finally, he spoke. 

“Alright. I will send you some money. Go to a hospital and do a proper check-up so we know what we are dealing with.”

“Okay.” Her voice softened, hesitant. “But… can you come with me to the hospital? Please?”

“I’m not promising,” he replied, his tone more guarded now. “Let me see how today goes first.”

“That is good enough,” she whispered, relief laced in her words.

For a moment, the tension eased, and their voices softened into that familiar exchange they both craved.

“I love you, Adrian.”

His lips curled faintly, betraying the frustration that lingered. 

“I love you too, Vivian. Always.”

He ended the call, tossed the phone onto the passenger seat, and exhaled heavily before turning the ignition. The engine purred to life. With one last glance at the quiet house, Adrian pulled out of the driveway and drove off into the waking city.