As the soft rays of the sun filtered through the curtains, they gently roused Catalina from her deep sleep. She stretched her hands and let out a sleepy yawn, her hand instinctively reaching out for Manuel's comforting touch. Yet, as her fingers grazed the empty space beside her, she sat up, her senses becoming alert. Her eyes scanned the room, but Manuel was nowhere to be found, leaving her perplexed and bewildered.
Perhaps he had risen earlier than usual, Catalina speculated silently within her own thoughts. Still, a twinge of longing stirred within her as her hand yearned for the warmth and security of his presence. She reached out to the vacant spot beside her, her fingers lightly tracing the contours of the rumpled sheets, aching for his sweet morning kisses and the warmth of his bod
