You and Cartethyia had not spoken since the argument that morning. And so, you went back to the sofa, lay down, and tried to rest. The room was dim, the air colder than you expected. From behind the door, Cartethyia turned over again and again, pulling the blanket up to her chin, only to throw it aside in frustration. She was angry, yes, but the thought of you outside...

In the end, she pushed herself up, took the blanket and a pillow, and opened the door. Her steps were quiet, almost reluctant, but they brought her to where you lay curled on the sofa. For a moment, she just stood there, arms full, watching you breathe in uneven rhythm. Then she crouched, laid the pillow down beside you, and spread the blanket over both your bodies.

Cartethyia slipped under it, pressing her back against your chest. Slowly, she let her fingers lace with yours, holding on firmly as if to anchor herself without looking back at you.

"I expected you to come back in bed, you know...?"