As Eva stirred awake the next morning, she felt the soft warmth of the sheets enveloping her body.
Opening her eyes slowly, she took in her surroundings with a sense of grogginess.
Fragments of memories from the night before floated in her mind, hazy and disjointed.
She remembered the intimate closeness with Xylon, the tender kisses, and the overwhelming rush of emotions that had washed over her.
The last clear recollection she had was of drifting off to sleep in that intimate position, cocooned in Xylon's embrace.
As Eva rose from the bed, she noticed the emptiness where Xylon had always been.
With a sigh, she stood and left the room and made her way to the bathroom.
Stepping into the shower, she let the warm cascade wash over her, washing away the remnants of the night before.
Emerging from the shower, Eva stood before the mirror. Her complexion appeared pale, and her eyes were rimmed with faint traces of puffiness.