Alex drifted back into consciousness with his eyes closed, clinging to the desperate hope that everything he had seen was just a terrible dream. He wanted—needed—to believe that the horrifying images in his mind were not real. His mind still felt foggy, as though wading through thick mist, but the comfort of familiar surroundings began to calm his racing heart. The thought of losing Suzan was unbearable. What terrified him more was the memory of that photograph—of him killing Suzan.
His breathing was uneven, his heart hammering against his ribs as he hesitated. Every inhale felt jagged, as if his lungs were reluctant to draw air. Slowly, cautiously, he opened his eyes.
Relief washed over him as he recognized the familiar surroundings of his bedroom. His room. The soft glow of morning light seeped in through the curtains, illuminating familiar furniture and the small vase of dried lavender on his nightstand. He exhaled and glanced at the clock on his nightstand. It was nearly noon. Realizing how late it had become, he hurried out of bed. The carpet felt soft under bare feet, and he lingered a moment to press his toes into the warmth of the fabric. The first thing on his mind was Suzan. He needed to see her, to hold her, to reassure himself that she was safe.
He followed the scent of freshly brewed coffee through the house until he reached the living room. The rich aroma guided him, weaving through the quiet space like a thread of comfort.
Suzan sat curled up in her favorite spot by the window, a book in her hands and delicate fingers resting on the pages as she read. Shafts of sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, highlighting the molecules of dust dancing in the air. Striking blue eyes and flowing black hair framed her pale face like ink on parchment. She wore faded blue jeans and a crisp white top. As sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, it caught her features perfectly—especially her smile, the most dazzling smile Alex had ever seen.
Alex felt an overwhelming urge to rush over, to wrap his arms around her and kiss her, to tell her about the nightmare that had shaken him to his core. Instead, he paused, drinking in the serenity of the moment as if it were medicine. He stopped himself. He did not want to scare her. For now, it was enough just to look at her, to absorb every detail of her presence.
Suzan lifted her head. Her eyes met his with a teasing glint, the corners crinkling in the way that always made him melt.
"Good morning, sleepyhead. It is almost noon."
Alex rubbed the back of his neck and forced a chuckle. The tension in his shoulders slackened only slightly.
"I guess I was really tired last night."
She smiled, warmth in her expression.
"You were mumbling in your sleep a lot."
Alex froze for a split second before managing a casual response. He brushed a hand through his hair, trying to pretend the nightmare hadn't taken root in his thoughts.
"Oh… really?"
Suzan tilted her head, regarding him briefly before turning back to her book. The gentle rise and fall of her breath seemed to beckon him closer.
"I just made coffee if you want some."
"Thanks," he said, heading into the kitchen. His footsteps echoed on the hardwood floor as he moved.
As he poured himself a cup, a nagging feeling gnawed at him. Something felt off, a tremor in the calm he saw before him. He carried his coffee back to the living room and leaned against the counter, staring at the window as if it held answers.
"I need to go into town today. Do you want anything? You could come with me if you like."
Suzan stiffened instantly. Her fingers tightened around the book, and her gaze darkened, a shadow crossing her features.
"You know how I feel about people. You know what happened in Texas. I just… I cannot." Her voice was barely above a whisper, vulnerability shimmering beneath her resolve.
Alex sighed and set his coffee down. He reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder before pulling her into his arms. Her body relaxed against his.
"I know. I just thought… maybe stepping outside might do you some good."
He brushed her hair back and kissed the top of her head, inhaling the familiar scent of lavender and warmth.
"You know I love you more than anything in the world. All I want is for you to be happy."
Suzan melted into his embrace, the tension in her shoulders easing.
"I know. I just want you to be happy, too."
Alex gently cupped her face and tilted it up to meet her eyes. He committed her expression to memory—the way her lips trembled slightly, the depth of unspoken pain behind her gaze.
He leaned in and kissed her, slow and deep, pouring everything he felt into that single moment. The world outside paused.
"You are the best thing that ever happened to me," he murmured against her lips.
Suzan let out a soft laugh and nudged him playfully, the sound like music in his ears.
"Okay, enough drama. What exactly are you doing in town today?"
Relief washed over Alex in a wave. He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling with affection.
"I need to pick up some groceries and check on my investments at the bank. Nothing more than that."
Alex's fingers tightened around the edge of the sofa cushion as he recalled how his parents' deaths had led to a bitter legal battle with relatives who tried to strip him of everything. His grandmother had fought for him, and thanks to her, he had enough to live comfortably. Yet none of that compared to the peace he found with Suzan.
He grabbed his coat and headed for the door. The chill of the winter air bit at his cheeks the moment he stepped outside. Overcast skies rolled with thick clouds—a typical winter day in Albany County.
Downtown Albany was usually bustling, but today an eerie quiet hung in the air. Alex parked outside the only grocery store in town, owned by James, a man in his seventies who knew every local story.
Alex stepped inside. The small bell above the door jingled, and the familiar scent of fresh produce and old wood greeted him.
"Good morning, James," Alex greeted as he walked toward the produce section.
James looked up, his weathered face breaking into a polite nod.
"Morning, Alex."
Alex glanced around, noting the empty stalls that were usually brimming with shoppers.
"The town is quieter than usual."
James coughed into his hand before replying.
"The mayor is hosting an event at his mansion. He just won the election and invited almost everyone."
Alex nodded, half-listening. He selected the items on his list—eggs, bread, and milk—and paid quickly, eager to get back to Suzan.
"Be careful," James called after him. "It is supposed to snow heavy tonight."
Alex acknowledged with a wave and hurried outside. The cold air bit at his skin. He pulled his coat tighter and reached for his car door. His phone rang.
It was Suzan.
A smile tugged at Alex's lips as he answered.
"Hey, honey, I just left the store. I'll be back soon."
Silence.
His smile faded.
"Suzan?"
Still nothing.
Then a sound—distant, distorted. A sharp noise like something falling.
And then a scream. A bloodcurdling, heart-stopping scream.
Alex's blood turned to ice.
"Suzan!" he yelled into the phone, panic surging.
"Suzan, are you okay? Answer me!"
Silence. The call ended.
Alex did not hesitate. He flung himself into the driver's seat, turned the key in the ignition with shaking hands, and pressed the accelerator to the floor.
Suzan was in danger.
And he had to reach her—now.