173 Of the Dawning Sky and His Warm Touch

A few minutes before five, Calix entered Leslie's room to wake her up for their early morning stroll. He was amused to see she was already up. Her lively eyes showed no traces of sleepiness.

"Did you set up the alarm?" asked Calix, his voice tinged with chuckles. Quickening his pace, he headed to the bedside.

"I did..." Leslie's lips curved into a smile, staring at Calix under the dimness of the bedroom, "Can't afford to... miss the sunrise..."

Leslie slept before ten o'clock struck. She was giddy at the thought of going for an early morning stroll. The crack of dawn had its own charm, incomparable to the sunset.

"Wait here," Calix carefully helped Leslie to sit up. He pushed the blanket away, "Let me wash your face first."

Leslie nodded once. She quietly watched Calix heading to the ensuite washroom. Her ears caught the faint sound of water hitting the base of the sink. Soon, he returned with a bowl of water and a clean face towel.