Beneath the Leather

Chapter 3: Small Cracks

The morning light was softer today, filtered through a thin layer of clouds. Jazmine yawned and stretched, Hercules already nudging her leg for attention. “You’re up early today, huh?” she whispered, scooping him into her arms. The little dog wriggled happily, licking her cheek as if to say, You missed me.

Devon was in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, scrolling through his phone. “Morning,” he said, voice warm but slightly distracted. His attention flitted between the screen and her, a little too quick, a little too practiced. Jazmine didn’t notice at first—she smiled, brushing a hand over his arm as she walked past.

“Morning,” she replied. “Coffee?”

“Already made it.” He handed her a mug, but his eyes flicked back to the phone. For a fleeting moment, his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. Jazmine shrugged it off, sipping the steaming drink, trying not to let the tiny twist in her stomach grow into something bigger.

Maybe he’s just tired, she told herself. He’s been working a lot lately. Everything’s fine.

Later, she decided to take Hercules for a walk, this time to the little corner park just a few blocks away. The city felt quieter there, more intimate, with trees lining the paths and birds chirping faintly in the branches. Hercules bounced ahead, nose down, tail high, barking at a stray leaf fluttering across the path.

Jazmine smiled, enjoying the crisp air, the soft crunch of leaves under her boots, and the comforting rhythm of her little dog leading the way. She felt… peaceful. Almost too peaceful, like the calm before something.

As she circled the park, she thought about Devon. He’d seemed distant lately, more distracted than usual, and his touch didn’t feel the same. She tried to rationalize it—maybe he was stressed at work, maybe it was just an off week—but a small knot of unease tightened in her chest.

Returning home, Jazmine found Devon sprawled on the couch, phone in hand again, scrolling absently. “Hey,” she said softly, settling beside him.

“Hey,” he replied, smiling faintly. But it wasn’t the same warm, full smile she had grown used to. His hand rested lazily on her arm, but his attention kept drifting.

Jazmine pressed a kiss to his cheek, trying to anchor herself in the familiar. Maybe it’s nothing, she thought. We’re fine. Everything’s fine.

Hercules climbed onto her lap, sensing her unease, and she stroked his soft fur. “You and me, little guy,” she whispered. “We’ve got this.”

But as she sipped her coffee and watched Devon return to his phone, a small, uneasy feeling prickled at the back of her mind. Something was shifting between them, subtle but undeniable. Her carefully constructed bubble of happiness was starting to wobble—though she had no idea just how fragile it really was.