Page 199 of Before Dawn

I followed her up, taking in every detail of the place she grew up in—each piece of her past adding layers to the woman I fell for. Her room was a perfect reflection of her: music posters, stacks of movies instead of a bookshelf, and fairy lights framing her vanity. A cozy yellow throw draped over an armchair made the space feel warm and inviting.

After we showered together, I noticed something was off. Abigail was moving slower than usual. When she collapsed onto the bed, rubbing her eyes, I could tell she wasn’t feeling well. I knelt beside her, concern clear in my voice. “What’s wrong, baby?”

“I just have a bad headache.”

I quickly helped her get dressed, pulling her hair into a bonnet before kissing her forehead. “Get some rest,amor157. You need it.”

Her tired eyes met mine. “Aren’t you tired?”

I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I’m fine. Just make sure you sleep.”

She curled up on the bed, her breathing evening out as she drifted off to sleep.

A knock at the door pulled my attention. “Abi, come help me chop these vegetables!” Aurora called.

I stood, glancing at Abigail before opening the door. “She’s got a headache. I can help if you want.”

Aurora hesitated. “That’s fine—”

“I insist.”

She sighed, then nodded. “Alright.”

Downstairs, we fell into a rhythm, preparing chicken chow mein. After a while, Aurora glanced over and said, “Thanks for making my sister happy, by the way.”

I set down the knife. “I was just her moral support. She did it all on her own.”

Aurora’s expression softened. “She’s been through a lot, you know. Seeing her like this… she’s found her spark again. And I know you had a part in that, so yeah, I have to thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure, Aurora,” I said sincerely.

We continued cooking, the buzz of the kitchen filling the space until a voice rang through the house.

“Angel.”

Aurora turned, smiling. “Mom, you’re home!”

I looked up as Alicia entered, her brown curls streaked with gray bouncing around her shoulders. Her almond-shaped green eyes gleamed as she greeted us, warmth radiating from her presence.

But it was her husband who held my attention.

He stood a few inches shorter, salt-and-pepper hair neatly combed, sharp brown eyes assessing—no warmth, just quiet calculation, as if fitting me into an unfinished puzzle.

Before I could dwell on it, Alicia’s familiar voice cut through the moment as she pulled me into a warm hug. “Mikkel! You get more handsome every time I see you.”

“It’s lovely to see you again, Alicia.”

I turned to her husband next, extending my hand. “It’s good to finally meet you, Mr. Asher.”

He clasped it in a firm shake, his grip measured. “Daniel,” he corrected, but his tone didn’t hold the same ease as his wife’s. “Likewise, Mikkel.”

Aurora wiped her hands on a kitchen towel. “Abi’s got a headache, so she’s sleeping, but Mikkel was helping me with dinner.”

Alicia shot me an approving look before turning to her daughter. “We can take it from here, angel.”

Aurora hesitated for half a second before nodding. “Alright.” She glanced at me briefly before disappearing down the hall.

That left just the three of us.

---