*Ava*
I wake to the sound of the ocean, a low rhythmic pull that doesn't match the chaos still lodged somewhere behind my ribs.
For three full breaths I don't remember why I'm still here. Then the weight of yesterday settles into my limbs, and I close my eyes again.
Administrative leave. Leaked files. Rasmus.
I press my palms flat against the mattress and push myself upright. The bedroom door is still closed. Through the wall I hear the faint clink of a mug, the soft rush of water running in the kitchen sink. He's already up.
I pull on yesterday's jeans and a sweater I find draped over the chair, then pause with my hand on the doorknob. My reflection in the window catches me off guard. I look younger than twenty-nine and older at the same time, the way exhaustion does. I don't linger
