72: SEE YOU AGAIN

ARIEL'S POV   I slowly stirred from my deep slumber, my eyes fluttering open as the morning light trickled through the curtains. Stretching my arms above my head, I let out a contented sigh, relishing the warmth of the blankets covering my body. Aslo remembering the exhausting moment with Luke last night.   And at this point, my consciousness fully returned. I became aware of the empty space beside me, where that husband of mine should have been.   He slept by my side last night, and it was still early in the morning. Luke wouldn't leave for work around this time.   Slightly puzzled, I furrowed my brow and sat up, scanning the room with bleary eyes.   "Luke?" I called out, my voice tinged with a hint of concern. Why was I even concerned?   But anyway, there was no response, only the echo of my own word reverberating in the silence. Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I slipped my feet into my slippers and rose to my feet.   I walked to the bathroom and opened the d