The next morning, I wake up feeling cold. I open my eyes and Dominik is no longer in front of me, the bed and the rest of my room empty. I sit up, rubbing my arms against the cool air. Was it just a vivid dream?

I dress and leave the room, traversing downstairs. As I reach the bottom step, Dominik opens the door to the entrance, entering with a couple of birds gripped in his hand. His eyes connect with mine, but quickly look away.

“Good morning,” I ...