ADRIANI woke up before the sun, but for once, it wasn’t tension that dragged me out of sleep. It was the peace and quiet. For the next few seconds, I stayed still, staring at the ceiling and letting it all settle.Today.The word didn’t come with panic. No strategy followed it. No contingency plans lined up behind it like soldiers waiting for orders.Just… today.I turned my head slightly, and a smile curved my lips. Sophia was still asleep beside me, her face turned toward my shoulder, her breathing slow and even. One hand rested loosely over my chest, like she’d fallen asleep making sure I was still there.My hand moved before I could think, covering hers. My thumb brushed lightly over her knuckles, and something in my chest tightened, like that internal hole was finally full.A few months ago, I would’ve ruined this peace. I would’ve overthought it, tried to control it, and even questioned it until it lost whatever softness it had. Now, I just held it carefully because it mattered
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