Morning came far too quickly. Ruby stirred awake to the soft patter of the lingering drizzle on the windows and the low hum of someone moving about outside her room. She sat up, pressing a palm to her forehead — a tiny throb pulsed there, just under her temple, reminding her that she'd worked a bit too hard the night before.
She shuffled to the bathroom, letting the steam of a fresh bath clear her mind. The warm water made her shoulders loosen, and she felt some of the ache melt away, even if her head still pulsed dully.
When she stepped out, wrapped in her robe, she was greeted by the soft, familiar clatter from the kitchen. Karl's bright voice drifted down the hallway — a little off-key hum, the sound of cups clinking together.
She peeked in to find him standing on his tiptoes, pouring her tea with the utmost concentration, his hair still messy from sleep.
