The next morning,
Sunlight slipped through the gaps in Jayden's curtains, spreading across his bedroom in long, golden strips.
Jayden stirred beneath the covers. For a moment, he remained still, his eyes half-open as he listened to the quiet sounds of the house. Somewhere downstairs, a cupboard closed. A few seconds later, he heard footsteps moving across the hallway.
He rolled onto his back and stretched, then glanced at the empty space beside him.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
The memories of last night came rushing back.
Cassandra.
He remembered the way she had looked at him, the nervousness beneath her usual confidence, and the little smile she had worn afterwards. They had spent some time together, chatting and laughing together like old times, before eventually falling asleep, tangled beneath the covers.
