ALEX.
Morning came quietly, the golden rays of dawn filtering through the little cracks from the window blind. I opened my eyes to a cold space beside me, the other side of the bed untouched. For a moment, I hoped—stupidly—that Derek had just gone to the bathroom. That if I waited a few seconds, he would walk back in, smiling, pretending everything was fine.
But the room stayed empty.
I sat up slowly, my chest already aching. The house felt different and hollow, like it had exhaled him and never breathed him back in.
“Derek?” I called out.
I got no answer.
I dragged myself out of bed and walked into the living room. That was when I saw it—a white envelope sitting neatly on the table, placed carefully like it was meant to look thoughtful.
My hands shook as I picked it up.
Hey,
I ha
