Morning Scars And Silent Pains

The sun peeked through the curtains, its soft golden light spreading across the room. Lydia's eyes fluttered open slowly. For a second, she panicked. Was he gone?

But then she turned her head and sighed with relief.

Ivan was there. Still lying beside her. Still breathing the same air.

He looked so calm. Peaceful. His dark lashes rested gently against his skin, his face soft without its usual cold expression. Lydia smiled quietly, her heart warming at the sight.

He looks so calm when he's asleep, she whispered to herself.

She reached out gently and brushed her fingers through his hair, so careful it was almost like touching a dream.

But suddenly, his hand caught hers.

Softly. Not roughly.

He opened his eyes.