YELENA

I got up early the next morning before the sun even thought of rising. My body felt heavy, but I still dragged myself out of bed. I didn’t want to think. Thinking only brought memories I didn’t want... And moreover, it was too early for that, and I had work to do.

I moved around the house quietly, cleaned the kitchen, swept the floor, and packed my things for work. I dressed up quickly, tied my hair, and checked the mirror one last time. My eyes looked swollen. Great, now I look ...