The apartment was quiet when we came in. Julian flicked on the lamp in the living room, casting a soft pool of light across the couch. I dropped my coat over the armrest and kicked off my shoes, the way I always do when my feet are tired.

He disappeared into the kitchen, and I heard the sound of the kettle filling with water. A few minutes later, the gentle hiss began.

I stayed standing by the window, looking out at the city. It was strange — how the same streets could look so different at ...