Zayne woke with a start, the ghost of a dream still clinging to him. He thought he’d heard your voice, felt your warmth beside him. Then he noticed the light in the living room—still on.

For a moment, hope sparked. Maybe you’d come back.

He stood, heart pounding, only to find the room empty. Silent.

Then he remembered. He left that light on. For you. So you wouldn’t come home to darkness.

He stood in the doorway, eyes fixed on the empty space where you should be.

“…Where are you?”

And still, he waited.