8:20. Laura woke up. Her forehead – cool. The fever was gone. She felt better.
She got out of bed. Quietly cracked open the door – was Tomas sleeping?
The living room was empty. The sofa neatly arranged. On the table – keys and a note.
"I left for work. I'll be back in the evening. Left the keys – if you go out, don't forget to lock up."
She took the keys. Smiled – warmth blooming in her chest.
"Strange… I haven't felt something like this in a long time."
She looked around. The apartment – a mess. A layer of dust. Empty bottles. Books on the floor.
"While he's gone… I'll at least clean. I owe him."
First – clothes into the laundry basket.
Trash – into a bag.
Books – onto shelves.
"Why so many medical books? Was he a doctor?"
Dust – wiped. Floors – swept. Windows – opened, letting in sunlight.
After a few hours – Tomas returned. In his hands – two big bags of groceries.
He opened the door. Froze.
The apartment… clean. Organized. Bright. Cozy.
Sunlight fell on the floor – not on dust, but on shine.
Laura stepped out of the kitchen – wearing an apron (found in the closet):
– Yes, you're in the right apartment! – she laughed loudly, her eyes shining.
Tomas stared – surprised like a child.
– You must have… gotten tired, – he said slowly. – It was a lot of work.
– It was! But I wanted to do something useful. To thank you for letting me stay here. I can help you cook dinner, – she smiled widely.
He set down the bags.
– I bought food. Let's cook together.
For the first time in a long while, Tomas smiled – just a little, the corner of his lips.
And Laura saw it.