Smile

Alexander woke up from sleep, the weight of guilt pressing down on his chest like an iron chain. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the morning sun peeking through the curtains. He turned his head to look at Anna, who was still fast asleep beside him. Her face was peaceful, untouched by the burdens that now haunted him.

He ran a hand through his hair, the memories of what he'd done flooding his mind. He had ordered the deaths of John and Martha Wallace, Anna's uncle and aunt. He had justified it at the time as retribution for the cruelty they inflicted upon her, but now, watching her innocent face, he wondered how he could ever tell her the truth.

The sound of Anna stirring pulled him out of his thoughts. She opened her eyes slowly, blinking a few times before her gaze landed on him.

"Good morning, Alex," she said softly, her voice laced with concern as she noticed the distant look in his eyes.