Soren’s POV
I wake up and stretch. For the first time in a week, my ribs don’t scream. I just breathe easily. It feels like winning a small war.
I roll over. The mattress beside me is empty. The blankets are pulled tight, the corners tucked in neatly. Eira’s already made her bed.
That’s new. Usually, she sleeps in. Or at least, she pretends to until the smell of coffee reaches her.
I sit up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The apartment is quiet, but I can hear the faint clink of mugs in the kitchen. That means she’s already up. She’s been up for a while.
I don’t push it. I just get dressed and walk out. She’s standing at the sink, washing a single spoon. She looks tired, but she offers a small smile when she sees me.
"Morning," she says.
"Morning. My ribs are good today."
"
