Sam stood in the middle of the living room, a thin sheen of sweat catching the afternoon light as it slipped through the blinds. The house was quiet except for the rhythmic thud of his feet against the floor and the controlled sound of his breathing. He’d pushed the coffee table aside earlier, turning the space into his makeshift gym. A pair of dumbbells rested nearby, along with a half-empty water bottle.

He paused between sets, running a hand through his hair before bending to grab the weights again. His muscles were tense, his focus locked in—the kind of intensity that came from knowing he had a limited window before Elena got home.

He exhaled sharply and started another set of curls, watching his form in the faint reflection of the dark TV screen.

“Alright come on, just ten more. Don’t slack now.”

His voice was low but firm, like he was coaching himself through it. He shifted his stance slightly, tightening his core as he lifted.

“Eight nine yeah, that’s it one more.”

He lowered the weights with a controlled drop and rolled his shoulders back, breathing heavier now. A quick glance toward the door made him smirk to himself.

“She’s gonna walk in any minute can’t be lying around like a mess.”

He grabbed the towel off the back of a chair and wiped his face, then his chest, pacing a little as he recovered. The faint sound of a car passing outside made him pause again, listening.

“Okay quick set. Last one. Make it count.”

He dropped to the floor and started push-ups, steady and deliberate, each movement precise.

“Down up don’t rush it keep it clean.”

His voice softened slightly as fatigue crept in, but he didn’t stop.

“Five more you’ve got five don’t quit now.”

By the time he finished, he stayed there for a second, arms trembling before pushing himself back up to his feet. He let out a long breath and laughed under it, shaking his head.

“Alright that’ll do. Just in time.”

He reached for his water bottle, taking a long drink, still catching his breath—eyes drifting once more toward the door, waiting.