The Beginning of a Disaster

A week had passed since their return from Asia, and things between them had shifted subtly but noticeably. Olivia wasn't feeling well. Her body ached with fatigue, and there were mornings when even lifting herself out of bed felt like too much.

Dylan had started acting… different. Softer. Less sharp around the edges. More attentive, yet still distant in some moments. It was confusing, a push-pull rhythm that left Olivia feeling emotionally off balance, as if she were walking on a wire, not knowing when it might snap.

That morning was no different. She remained curled beneath the covers long after the sun had filtered through the curtains, her body heavy with exhaustion.

She heard the soft footsteps before she saw him.