Page 101 of My Only

A mess. A fucking mindfuck.

I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to leave it alone.

I made my way upstairs, expecting to find her in our room, but when I stepped inside… nothing.

The room was empty.

I should’ve gone after her. Should’ve pushed. But I couldn’t. Not tonight.

Instead, I walked into the bathroom and turned the shower on.

I barely touched the cold nozzle, letting the heat bite at my skin.

It’s like I said, the day started fine, but then Harper dropped that shit about the flooring on my desk, and suddenly it was all hands on deck. I was grateful we caught the mistake before it turned into a real problem, but not at the expense of my home.

Not at the expense of this.

By the time I was done showering, drying off, and going through my nighttime routine, I stepped back into our bedroom, half-hoping to find Ayla there.

But it was still empty.

I sucked my teeth and climbed into bed, muttering, “Man, whatever.”

I pulled open the side table drawer and grabbed my sketchbook, needing something to settle my mind.

A balcony overlooking the water.

That’s what I was working on.

I tilted my pencil, shading in the soft curtains I imagined billowing in the breeze, but my focus kept slipping.

I leaned my head back, letting my eyes drift up toward the skylight. Then I turned my head—just once—to glance at Ayla’s side of the bed.

Still empty.

I sighed and grabbed my phone off the nightstand.

It’s like I said—I was exhausted. Up at 4 a.m. In the office by 6. Running on fumes. I needed to set my alarm and turn in.

I thumbed in my passcode, swiping toward my alarm clock app, and froze.

There was a new text.

One I hadn’t even noticed. I’d been so caught up with everything at work that by the time I finally wrapped up, I just grabbed my shit and walked out—didn’t check my phone, didn’t think twice.

I’d considered calling Ayla on my way out, but figured it’d be better to just talk to her at home.

But now, sitting there, I saw it…

The text I missed. Unread. Just waiting.

From Ayla.

A sick feeling settled in my stomach as I clicked in.

Ayla: I’m here at my mom’s. Her boyfriend is too. I don’t know how possible it’ll be, but I really need for you to show up for me tonight, baby.

I stared.

---