章 195: I'll see you soon

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. I lay awake, Elena nestled beside me, her head resting on my shoulder. The rhythmic rise and fall of her breath was both comforting and bittersweet.

Today was the day she would leave, and I was determined to make every moment count. I brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, my fingers lingering on her soft skin. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open, and a sleepy smile spread across her lips.

"Good morning," she whispered, her voice still heavy with sleep.

"Good morning, love," I replied, kissing her forehead gently. "How did you sleep?"

"Better than I expected," she said, stretching and then snuggling closer to me. "But waking up next to you makes it all the better."

I held her close, savoring the warmth of her body against mine. "Let's make today special," I said softly, my voice filled with a mixture of determination and sadness.