ELENA

I dragged myself into the kitchen, barely lifting my feet off the floor. The moment I stepped in, my eyes roamed around, taking in the spotless counters, the neatly arranged shelves, and the untouched appliances. Everything was exactly how I had left it last night, just like every night before that.

I sighed. If I needed any more reason not to bother with chores today, this was it. There was absolutely nothing to be done.

The cool air from the air conditioning brushed against my skin, ...