He didn't want her getting up so early.

“Okay, she answered with an unhappy pout.

Bennett touched her cheek softly and asked, “Are you angry?"

"No."

She wasn't angry.

She was just a Little upset that she wouldn't see him for three days.

“Tell me when it's time for your dad's surgery. I'll try my best to come back as soon as possible."

Claudia held his left hand on her cheek and rubbed his fingertips.

"It's a minimally invasive surgery. I can stay with him."

Bennett didn't say anything to that. He just lowered his head and gave her another soft kiss.

"Go to bed early."

Claudia opened her mouth to say she wasn't sleepy, but a yawn escaped instead and betrayed her.

She looked away shyly, feeling a little embarrassed.

She pulled herself together and said, “Okay.”

She had to keep early hours.

“Good night, Claudia."

“Good night."

She let go of his hand and leaned into his warm embrace, hugging him.

Then, she closed her eyes and fell fast asleep.

On Monday...

When Claudia woke up in the morning, Bennett was already on his way to the airport.

She lay on her side of the bed and stared at the empty space next to her. After a while, she forced herself out of bed and went to wash up.

When Marcia saw her coming downstairs, she quickly rushed into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

The weather didn't seem so bad today, but it was colder than yesterday.