Howard Coleman didn't look at his phone, and about half a minute later, the text message notification sounded again.
Howard extended his hand, took the phone, rubbed his fingers across the screen a couple of times, and then lifted it to his face to unlock the screen and look.
It was still from Anita Madris.
"Howard, I know you're not asleep."
"Howard, don't you have anything you want to say to me?"
Madeleine had closed her eyes only after Howard Coleman had lain down beside her. Although they hadn't even touched hands during this period, she felt that this time was the most beautiful and peaceful time of her life.
She no longer had to wait alone in an empty room for Howard, who she knew wouldn't come home until dawn. She could listen to his long breaths, smell his unique scent, and sweetly fall asleep.