52 - Never Meant to Upset You

ARAH

She woke up late in the morning. Last night, she had waited hours for Gildeon to come home, but he never did. The door to his room was slightly open. Peeking through, she saw his bed was untouched.

A soft snore drifted from the living room. Was he sleeping over there?

Combing a hand through her hair, she padded down the hallway and found Gildeon lying sideways on the couch, his hands tucked under his arms. Her mouth fell open, and her hand froze in her curls.

Why didn’t he sleep in his room?

His clothes were the same as yesterday, and his dark hair was disheveled. Even with the AC low and the heat outside, he looked cold. She approached quietly and leaned over, pressing the back of her hand to his forehead. No fever, thank goodness, but his breathing sounded tired. He also smelled musty and herby.

“Where the hell have you been?” she whispered. Deep inside, she was still hurt from last night, from him leaving her alone just like that again. But seeing him like this, she was more w