How long had she been asleep? The candles smoldered in the darkroom. Pudica was still naked and small spots of blood dried beside her. A light crept from the bathroom door.
Wondering about her husband’s disappearance, she wrapped herself in the blanket he left on her and followed the glowing floor line.
Sniffles intensified while she let the brightness escape. Oliver sat—fully dressed—on the tiles by the sink. In his hand, a bouquet of roses. His tears flowed down the petals.
“Ollie.” The girl kneeled beside her husband, befuddled by the scene. Her thumbs erased the drops from his face, but moisture stayed.
“I’m sorry I’m like this.” He turned his head away.
She brought his chin toward her. “No, you can be vulnerable with me.”
“While you were asleep, I got you
