The living room was filled with the fresh aroma of fruit just cut. Lena sat comfortably on the sofa, her legs tucked neatly to the side, savoring chilled slices of apple she had just taken from the fridge. Every so often she closed her eyes as she chewed, as if she were in her own little paradise.

“Darling, you’re home already?” Lena called out the moment she saw Axel enter the house, dragging a large black suitcase from outside.

Axel shot his wife a glance but didn’t stop walking. ...