Elena finally finished her design just before dusk. She took a deep breath and closed her laptop. Her hands, trembling from exhaustion, brushed gently across her face.

Nathan, who had been waiting in the small workspace, immediately approached. He stood behind Elena’s chair and wrapped his arms around her. “Finally finished, hmm?”

Elena turned with a faint smile. “Yes, it feels like my eyes are about to pop out. But I’m relieved everything is done on time.”

Nathan didn’t ...