Cecilia was not adept at household chores and the bedroom was always left in disarray.

Mark, however, took it upon himself to frequently tidy up, even going the extra mile by washing her soiled undergarments during her menstruation. ©

The pillow carried a lingering trace of her fragrance, making it perplexing for Mark to find sleep. He opted to rise and settle on the sofa, accompanied by a cigarette.

With the phone clutched in his hand, Mark mused that if Cecilia were to call, he would undoubtedly answer, content just to hear her voice, even if he couldn't find the words to say.

Yet, as the night wore on, the ashtray filled up and her call never came.