Elena’s POV

The city has softened into a muted gold by the time I step out of the car in front of my apartment, the sun dipping low behind the buildings, spilling warmth across the streets in a way that makes everything look familiar yet fleeting, as if the day itself is reminding me how quickly life can change. The tires sing over the asphalt, and the sudden quiet of the building lobby feels almost too heavy, pressing against me as I ride the elevator up, my fingers flexing nervously around ...