On One Condition

Elena's Point Of View   Lexy held my hand tightly as we stepped out of the café. “You sure you’ll be okay?” she asked, concern still lingering in her eyes.   I gave a small laugh, trying to mask the emotional storm boiling inside me. “I’ll survive. I always do.”   She narrowed her eyes at me. “Listen, anytime you need someone to punch sense into your husband… just one call, babe. I’ve got a right hook that’ll send him into next week.”   I laughed, more genuinely this time, and pulled her into a hug. “You’re insane.”   “Damn right I am,” she said proudly, climbing into her car. “Text me when you get in, alright?”   “I will.”   We both waved, and I watched her drive off before I turned to mine and slumped into the seat. My shoulders were heavy, my thoughts tangled. I felt wrung out… emotionally, physically. All I wanted was a shower, silence, and a pitch-black room to curl into myself.   When I got home, the silence was so thick, it felt like walking into a void. No staff bustling about,