The fluorescent lights of the minimarket felt too bright against your tired eyes. Your belongings were spread across the counter while strangers watched, whispering among themselves. The security guard still held your wrist long after checking your bag, leaving angry red marks behind. No wallet was found. Nobody apologized.

One employee only scoffed and muttered, “People who steal always look harmless.” You swallowed hard, fighting the sting behind your eyes. For a moment, you considered calling Rowan. You didn’t. The thought alone made your stomach tighten. So instead, you called Elias.

“Why didn’t you call your husband instead of me?”