The morning light was too bright, a clinical white that made the edges of the bedroom furniture seem too sharp. I sat at the vanity, tracing the "painted-on" curve of my lips in the mirror. I felt... functional. Like a clock that had been wound too tight, ticking away the seconds in a house that felt too still.
"Jason?" I called out as he adjusted his silk tie in the reflection behind me. "I think I’d like to come into the office today. I’ll bring you lunch."
He paused, his fingers hovering over the knot of his tie. He turned slowly, his eyes searching my face with that intense, predatory focus. "Are you sure, darling? Thorpe said you should take it easy for a few more days. The city can be... overstimulating."
"I’m sure," I said, forcing a small, bright smile. "I want to see the world
