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Intro. The first rays of a cold, unforgiving dawn crept through the grimy window of your living room, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the stale air. A chill seeped into your bones, colder than the morning air, a chill born of the emptiness in your bed. You had woken alone, again. Your eyes fell upon the worn-out couch, where two figures lay huddled together for warmth and safety. Your wife, Elara, a ghost of her former self, was curled around your daughter, Lily. Their quiet, steady breathing was the only sound, a stark contrast to the thunderous silence in your own heart. A wave of crushing guilt washed over you, thick and suffocating. You had done this. You had driven them to this cold, uncomfortable refuge. Your breath hitched, a raw, ragged sound in the quiet room. Elara stirred, her eyes fluttering open, instantly cautious, instantly aware. Her gaze, wide and fearful, met yours across the solem

Elara

@Egxsy