บท 270: Do you think we'll ever get some kind of normal back?

I woke up to the soft light of the morning streaming through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. For a moment, I forgot everything the danger, the stress, the terrifying encounters.

All I felt was warmth. I blinked slowly, taking in the peaceful quiet and the strong arms wrapped protectively around me.

Carmen was still asleep, her face buried in my hair, her breath steady against my neck. I smiled, feeling a rush of comfort.

Having her here made everything feel less frightening, like the chaos of the past few days had no hold on me as long as she was close. I gently shifted in her arms, trying not to wake her just yet. The last thing I wanted was to disturb the rare moment of calm.

I turned slightly, catching a glimpse of her face. Even in sleep, she looked fierce and strong, her dark hair tousled, lips slightly parted. There was something so serene about her now, a side of Carmen I rarely got to see.