He held her gaze for several moments before uttering, “As you wish."

With that, he spun on his heels and retreated to the bathroom.

Disappointment Loomed within him.

Maggie's fingers instinctively curled. She wanted to speak, to clarify, but she reconsidered at the Last moment.

"I'LL be Leaving for a business trip tomorrow. Be sure to pack some clothes for me," Sanford commanded.

"Alright," Maggie responded. With that, she set off to pack his clothes.

Was he trying to avoid her?

The next morning

Upon awakening, Rosalynn stole a glance at a slumbering Karina. She cautiously slid out of bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

That was when a text message arrived.

“Awake yet?"

The sender was Brian.

A recollection of the previous night's events coaxed a smile onto her face.

Rinsing the toothpaste from her mouth, she replied, "No."

“No? Then who are you?"

“Guess?”

“A ghost?"

A bout of laughter bubbled up within Rosalynn.

She rinsed her face and chose to ignore him.

Moments later, another message popped up on her screen.

“Open the door."

So, he was outside.