(Karen’s POV – Present Tense)

Morning light filters through the curtains, pale and cold — like the world’s forgotten how to be warm again. Dre’s still asleep beside me, one arm resting protectively over my waist.

But my eyes are wide open.

The text from last night burns in my memory.

You really thought it was over?

Some truths don’t stay buried, Karen. Not even yours.

The words replay over and over, each one slicing through the fragile calm I tried so hard to rebuild.

I slip ...