When Sasha woke up the next day, she wasn’t surprised to find herself alone in the room. She got up, made the bed, and then heard the sound of running water. Michael is still home? she thought, surprised. She walked to the nightstand, picked up the tray with the untouched dinner from the previous night, and headed downstairs. Maybe I can make a quick breakfast, she thought.
She made French toast and poured a glass of milk. As she was setting the dining table, she heard footsteps approaching. She looked up to see Michael standing on the staircase, watching her. Michael noticed the purple-blue bruise on her temple, and his heart ached. He remembered pushing her out of the bed the night before. He had heard the sound but didn’t realize it would bruise.
He felt an urge to walk over to her, t
