The Silences of Dawn

Diana, still shaken, simply slipped under the sheets, her heart heavy.

The silence in the room seemed even louder, broken only by Gale's steady breathing — peaceful, as if nothing had happened.

She just wanted to sleep.

To forget.

To forget what she had done, what she had felt… and what she was still feeling.

No sooner had she laid down than a strong arm wrapped around her.

Still fast asleep, Gale instinctively pulled her close in a possessive, tender gesture.

His hand naturally settled on her waist, his warm chest pressed against her back — as if he refused to let her slip away.

Diana opened her eyes, frozen, her senses on high alert.

A shiver ran through her, but she didn't move.

Gale's breath tickled her neck, his hand resting gently on her belly…

It wasn't rough. It wasn't forceful.

It was soft. Real.

And strangely comforting.

She closed her eyes. Just for a moment… just one moment.

And she fell asleep in his arms.

Dawn was gentle, its light softly brushing the wrinkled sheets.

Gale woke up first.

He turned his head and watched Diana.

She was sleeping deeply, her hair messy, framing her relaxed face.

A faint smile touched his lips.

He slowly reached out and let his fingers glide over her cheek, then across her bare shoulder, tracing an invisible line along her arm.

Gale murmured to himself, almost inaudible:

— You're beautiful… even when you sleep, you make my heart race like crazy…

His gaze lingered on her, filled with unspoken thoughts.

But before he could think further, his phone suddenly vibrated on the floor.

Frowning, he reluctantly got up — still naked — and searched through the scattered clothes.

He found his jeans, pulled the phone from the pocket and answered.

— Hello?

— FUCK, GALE! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?! I've been calling a hundred times!

Axel's voice was panicked.

Gale sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

— Sorry, man… it was a long night.

There was a pause on the other end, then Axel replied, suspicious:

— Long how? Weren't you supposed to take Diana home?

Gale winced, glancing at the bed where Diana was still sleeping peacefully.

— I'll tell you everything later. Promise.

— Well, things aren't great here either… Isabella barely slept.

— Again? Gale asked, his tone suddenly more serious.

— Yeah… the nightmares are coming back in waves. Last night was worse than usual.

I had to stay with her most of the night.

A heavy silence followed. Gale clenched his jaw, his eyes darkening.

— Alright. Hang up. I'm on my way.

He ended the call, swore under his breath, and got dressed in a hurry — throwing on his pants, his half-wrinkled shirt, and his shoes in seconds.

He stood up and walked to the bed.

Diana was still asleep, calm and beautiful.

A corner of the sheet had slipped from her shoulder.

He watched her for a few moments.

Then he leaned toward the nightstand, grabbed a pen and a piece of notebook paper.

He wrote a few words.

Words Diana wouldn't read until later.

He placed the note beside her pillow, leaned down and kissed her forehead — a quiet, almost timid gesture.

Then he whispered:

— Thank you… for the night.

And he left the room.

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