Waiting Game
Ellen stirred awake, startled by a little creak in the house. Rubbing her eyes, she reached over to her bedside table and grabbed the phone, squinting at the screen. It was 12 a.m.
Had Mason come back yet?
Ellen pushed the covers aside and slipped out of bed, her bare feet barely making a sound.
With a slight hesitation, she approached Mason's room. Her fingers lightly brushed the doorframe as she knocked softly. "Mason?" she called out, keeping her voice gentle. No answer.
She knocked again, a little firmer this time. "Mason, are you there?"
Still no response.
Biting her lip, Ellen carefully turned the doorknob and opened the door just a crack. The room was dark, and as her eyes adjusted, she could see that Mason's bed was still perfectly made, untouched since the morning. A small sigh escaped her lips as she closed the door quietly and leaned against it for a moment. He wasn't back yet.