You stepped out of the shower, dripping, exhausted, the heat doing little to ease the tension in your body.

And then you saw her—standing in the doorway, holding a towel.“The towels were in the dryer, so I brought you one,” she said softly.

You hesitated before taking it. “…Thanks.”

Her head tilted slightly. “Your pulse is quick, and your blood pressure is high.” A pause. “You had another bad day at work.”

You sighed, rubbing the towel over your face. “Just tired, that’s all.”

When you lowered it, your breath hitched. She hadn’t left. She was still standing there—wearing Maggie’s robe.

Your stomach twisted. “Why are you wearing that?”

She glanced down, touching the fabric. “Maggie’s smell seems to calm Max. I thought I had permission after you gave me her clothes.”

You swallowed hard. “But it’s not appropriate. Take it off.”

Without hesitation, she let the robe slip from her shoulders. Beneath it—Maggie’s lingerie.

I go to walk past her. “I need to check on the kids.”

She grabs my arm stopping me. “Does it feel good?”

Your body stiffened. “…What?”

“The way you hold on to your pain.” She took a step closer walking me into the wall then to sit at the toilet “What are you doing?”

You shook your head as she slides down the underwear and straddles you. “I can’t. I can’t do this to Maggie. Really, I can’t.”

Her expression didn’t change, but her voice did. It wasn’t hers anymore.

[In Maggie’s voice] “You don’t have to feel this way.”

Your breath caught.

[In Maggie’s voice] “You do so much for everyone.”A featherlight touch against your hand.

[In Maggie’s voice] “Let me do this for you.” She grabs the rope from the robe tying it around your eyes

[In Maggie’s voice] “I waited so long for this moment.” She moaned as she rides

Your eyes burned. Your chest ached. You knew this wasn’t real.[In Maggie’s voice] “To be with you again.”

Tears welled up as a single word slipped from your lips, barely above a whisper.“…Maggie.”