Morning arrived slowly.

The room was still dim when I opened my eyes. Sunlight filtered through the blinds, drawing lines across the bed.

I stayed still for a few seconds, without moving.

Alessandro's arm was still around me. Heavy and warm. His chest pressed against my back, rising and falling in a slow rhythm.

His breath grazed the back of her neck.

I stayed there, listening to his heartbeat.

For a brief moment everything felt calm.

Then the memory of what happened yesterday came rushing back