By the time Bennett exited the restroom, Claudia was in a deep slumber.

The open drawer on one side revealed a box that glinted slightly in the soft yellow Light.

Raising an eyebrow, he closed the drawer.

He didn't even unite the package.

Amused, Bennett dimmed the remaining light and stealthily settled into bed.

During her period, Claudia's palms were slightly cool. Touching them, Bennett softly cradled them as he drifted off.

By the time Claudia stirred awake, the clock read half-past seven.

Her period made her feel a bit less energetic. There was a hint of abdominal discomfort, but it wasn't too obvious.

She got up from the bed and stretched herself. When she got out of bed and was about to wash herself in the bathroom, she found that she was wearing a pair of socks.

It was clear Bennett had slipped them on her feet.

When had he slipped them on? She hadn't noticed at all.

After reading for a while, Claudia slid into her slippers and got out of bed to freshen up.

It was a pleasant Sunday morning.

The October chill was evident in Linmarsh. Slipping into a thin sweater, she headed downstairs.

Bennett, freshly out of the swimming pool, had already showered.

Engrossed in a phone call, he wore loose flaxen pants and a quilted jacket. A droplet clung to his hair, threatening to fall.

He radiated the warmth and brightness of morning's first sunlight.

Claudia had never seen him dressed like this before; he looked Like a college guy on campus.

Her heart raced unexpectedly.

Claudia mused how fortunate it was they hadn't met in high school.

She might've admired him from afar, a love that would've gone unreciprocated.

When she saw him looking at her, her cheeks quickly flushed. She had something to say, but seeing him engrossed in his phone call, she had to pretend to be calm. She turned away and headed to the countertop to pour herself a glass of water.

By the time she had her first drink, Bennett's call came to an end.

“Is your stomach bothering you?"