Ethan
When I woke up, the soft light of dawn was just beginning to filter through the curtains. I glanced at the clock: 5 a.m. Right on time for morning practice. I shifted carefully, trying not to disturb Rosemary, who was still asleep beside me, her body curled peacefully against mine. For a moment, I just watched her, unable to fully process how much had changed in such a short time.
But as much as I wanted to stay there, wrapped in the warmth of her presence, I had responsibilities to attend to. I slipped out of bed quietly, moving with care to avoid waking her. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake, and I exhaled in relief as I made my way to the bathroom.
I turned on the hot water and stepped into the shower, letting the heat work its way into my muscles. The steady stream pounded
