The night had been long, warm, and filled with a kind of closeness I had never known before.
Even in my sleep, I could still feel the memory of Alessandro's touch lingering on my skin, his arms wrapped protectively around me as if he never intended to let me go.
When I finally opened my eyes, the room was quiet.
Soft sunlight filtered gently through the curtains, painting golden patterns across the bed. The air carried the calmness of early morning, peaceful and still, as if the world itself had decided to rest after the storm of emotions from the night before.
I stretched slowly, letting out a small breath as I turned instinctively to the side.
My hand reached for him.
But the space beside me was empty.
The sheets were cool.
Alessandro was gone.
For a moment, I simply lay there,
