Monday morning came too quick. Ethan stirred first, shifting under the covers and glancing toward the other side of the bed. Clara was curled up, her face turned toward the window, her breathing slow and even.
She looked peaceful.
Since she had been given time off from work, Ethan didn't want to disturb her. He lifted his legs over the side of the bed, walked to the bathroom, and showered quickly. When he came out, toweling his hair, she still hadn't moved. He lingered for a moment, unsure.
At first his steps carried him toward the door, but something made him pause. He looked at her again. She seemed small at one side of the bed, her hair spilling across the pillow, a lock of it curling near her cheek. For reasons he couldn't quite name, he crossed the room again, leaned down, and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
The gesture felt unfamiliar, almost foreign. He straightened up his suit, turned away quickly and left, shutting the door behind him without looking back.
Downstairs, he grabbed a quick breakfast, just coffee and toast, then headed out to the car, his mind already shifting toward the day ahead.
***
In their bedroom, Clara opened her eyes the moment she heard the bedroom door close. She had been awake for a while,since before Ethan had even finished in the bathroom.
She hadn't wanted to talk. Their interactions lately were… awkward. Not exactly cold, but there was a stiffness between them, a quiet awareness that seemed to creep into every exchange. So she stayed still, breathing evenly, letting him think she was asleep.
But she had felt it. The kiss.