Lost Pieces

Parker pushed the bedroom door open with his shoulder, the soft glow of the bedside lamp making the room feel warmer than it was. She'd fallen asleep mid-sob, her body finally giving out after all the emotional whiplash of the night. He laid her down gently, pulling the blanket over her and brushing a stray strand of hair from her damp face.

For a moment, he just stood there, watching her breathe. She looked fragile like this, so unlike the Tessa who smiled like nothing could hurt her. He bent down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Goodnight," he whispered, his voice almost breaking.

The living room was too quiet. The plates of food sat untouched on the table—carefully plated dishes meant to welcome Tessa home, now cold and forgotten. Parker sighed as he walked in, running a hand through his hair. Elena and Naomi were sitting on the couch, their faces etched with equal parts worry and exhaustion.