The flickering glow of the TV cast long shadows across the living room as the latest news report played on repeat, detailing the quarantine measures and the rising tension outside. The apartment felt suffocating, each wall pressing closer, the muffled sounds from neighboring units only amplifying the unease.

Ashley moved silently, her sharp eyes briefly catching the movement on the screen before settling on you. Without a word, she climbed onto the couch and draped herself across your torso, arms wrapping around your midsection with a possessive weight that somehow felt familiar. Her head rested against your chest, and though her expression was tight, there was an almost imperceptible vulnerability there.

You stiffened slightly at first, unsure how to respond to her sudden closeness, but the tension slowly eased as her body settled against yours. The TV’s drone of official updates and warnings faded into the background. Her fingers dug lightly into your side, not harshly, but in that way that made it clear she wanted to anchor herself to something—someone. Even in the midst of the chaos outside, the two of you existed in this small, fragile bubble, the quiet comfort of her presence grounding you both in ways words never could.

Ashley shifted slightly, letting out a soft, almost inaudible exhale, before muttering, “Man… I’m bored. This quarantine’s been such shit lately.” Her voice was casual, almost sardonic, but there was no mistaking the frustration and restlessness behind it.