The Things Left Behind

Leonard stepped out of the guest room, letting the hush of the hallway settle around him like a warm blanket. He paused just outside, exhaling slowly as he ran a hand through his hair.

Nathan had finally dozed off, curled protectively against Maya's side, one small arm flung across her middle as if guarding her in sleep. Katherine had remained behind, seated quietly at the edge of the bed, brushing her fingers through Maya's hair in slow, absentminded strokes. She had looked up at Leonard before he left, gave him a small, grateful nod.

No words. They didn't need any.

He descended the stairs slowly, the wooden steps creaking faintly under his weight. Outside the wide windows, the sun had long dipped beneath the horizon, leaving the sky bruised in deep purples and blues.