With the arrival of dawn, a soft beam of light pierced through the window, illuminating Amon's room. Still wrapped in drowsiness, he slowly opened his eyes, but instead of the usual comfort, a feeling of helplessness enveloped him.
His eyes searched for the familiar silhouette of Ariel beside him, yet they found only crumpled sheets and an emptiness that felt deeper than a mere physical absence. A heavy sigh laden with longing escaped his lips.
Meanwhile, the first rays of sunlight lit Ariel's path across the university campus. Her steps, once firm and determined, now carried a subtle hesitation. The wind played with her hair, bringing with it the freshness of morning and the scent of jasmines, but for Ariel, it also carried memories of the previous night.