Housewife

Malik stood at the edge of a small lake, skipping rocks across its calm surface.

Jasmine sat nearby, her knees tucked up to her chest, watching the ripples spread across the water.

Soft light cast long shadows through the trees, and for a moment, it felt…

Peaceful.

It was nice.

Like everything was okay.

But it wasn't.

Peace wasn't something they got to have.

After the Blink, he told Safira to stay behind and train.

She had protested, of course—she always did—but he'd just told her he needed some air.

To think, or whatever other nonsense came to mind.

She eventually gave in, though not without giving him one of her signature glares.

Once she was out of sight, he turned to Jasmine.

"Come with me."

He gestured toward a distant forest.

One of the many he 'visited' during his little manic episode.

She hesitated, her brow furrowing.

"What for?"