Silence filled the room, with only the soft hum of breathing and the quiet ticking of the wall clock. The dim lights created a warm, subdued atmosphere, as if enveloping them in a paused embrace of time.

Nathan sat on the edge of the bed, his body slightly inclined, one hand gently touching Elena's back. The touch was unhurried, like someone reading poetry directly from the skin of a lover.

"Elena," Nathan murmured softly.

"Hm?" she replied gently, her eyes not daring to look directly at ...