POV: Elena
11:00 AM — The House Feels Like a Stranger
Everything looks the same, but it doesn't feel the same.
I've lived here for four years.
I know where the creaky tile is in the upstairs hallway.
I know which light flickers when the microwave runs too long.
But now every step feels like trespassing.
I walk through the kitchen like I'm on a film set of a show I used to star in — and got written out of.
The worst part?
They kept the show going without me.
11:03 AM — He's Standing in the Hallway
Aaron.
Hair messier than usual. Shoulders heavier. His eyes don't look angry.
They just look… tired.
We both speak at the same time.
"Hi."
It's so painfully awkward, I almost laugh. But I don't.
Because nothing about this is funny.
11:06 AM — No One Else Is Home
Milo left to get groceries. James is at the hardware store. He didn't tell me — but he left the keys on the hook and I took the hint.
So now it's just me and Aaron.
Alone.
Again.
I turn to leave.
