Chapter 33: Morning Sickness
The first light of dawn crept through the curtains, painting the living room in soft, muted hues.
Ethan pushed the door open quietly, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpet. His eyes fell on Maria-Isabel, curled up on the couch, her chest rising and falling in the steady rhythm of sleep.
A pang of guilt tugged at him. She had waited for him. Again. He stood there for a moment, his gaze lingering on her peaceful face, the way her dark hair fanned out against the cushion. He turned and made his way to the bedroom, his heart heavy.
Mara was still asleep when he entered, her body a soft silhouette under the sheets.
Ethan hesitated, then leaned down, brushing his lips against hers in a kiss so light it was almost a whisper. She stirred but didn’t wake. He straightened, running a hand through his hair, and headed for the bathroom.
The sound of the shower soon filled the room, steam curling into the air like a ghost.
Mara’s eyes fluttered open at the sound of running water. She blinked, disoriented before the realization hit her. "Ethan?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
When no answer came, she sat up, the sheets pooling around her. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and padded toward the bathroom, her bare feet silent on the cool tiles.
Ethan stood under the shower, his head tilted back, the water cascading over him. He was lost in thought, his mind a whirlwind of emotions he couldn’t quite untangle. He didn’t hear the door open and didn’t notice
Mara until her arms slid around his waist from behind. He jumped, startled, but her touch was familiar, grounding. She pressed her cheek against his back, her skin warm against his.
"How is he?" she asked softly, her voice barely rising above the sound of the water.