His expression softens slightly.
“Yes,” he says.
We finish breakfast slowly after that, the conversation drifting back into something lighter. Small things. Easy things.
Like we’re holding onto the last pieces of this moment before letting it go.
Timofey clears the table and washes the dishes while I head upstairs.
I take a quick bath, letting the warm water run over me as I try to memorize how this place feels. I’ll be back here. I know it.
By the time I step out and get dressed, Timofey is already in the room. We pack in quiet efficiency.
When we’re done, we head back downstairs and walk to the beach together. The sunlight greets us immediately.
It’s even more beautiful in the daylight.
The ocean stretches endlessly, shimmering under the sun.
Waves rolling in gently, like nothing in the world could ever disturb their rhythm.
I inhale deeply, letting the salt air fill my lungs.
For a moment, I don’t move.
I just stand there—taking it all in.
“Can we come back here?” I ask quietly.
He nods without hesitation. “Anytime you want.”
Something in my chest settles at that.
An hour later, we’re back in the car.
Driving toward the city.
Toward reality.
The closer we get, the heavier the air feels.
Like the peace we just left behind is already slipping through our fingers.
And then, it happens.
A black SUV swerves sharply across the road ahead of us.
Tires screech.
Timofey reacts instantly, slamming the brakes.
Before the car even fully stops, another vehicle pulls in behind us.
Blocking any escape.
My heart drops.
Doors burst open.
