Routine

The first light of dawn began to seep through the thin curtains of Elsa's bedroom, casting a soft golden hue across the room. The morning rays filtered through the window and the skylight above her bed, gently coaxing her awake. Elsa stirred, blinking her eyes open as the sunlight bathed her face in warmth.

She stretched her arms, feeling the tension melt away from her muscles. Rising from the bed, she took a moment to relish the tranquility of the morning before heading to the bathroom to freshen up. The cool water on her face was refreshing, a perfect start to the day.

Elsa made her way to the living room, the sunlight streaming through the windows and filling the space with a cheerful glow. As she entered, she noticed Alan coming out of his room, dressed in his formal black outfit, ready for another day at work.

"Good morning, Alan," she greeted him with a warm smile.

Alan, without looking at her, muttered, "Good morning," as he adjusted his tie in the hallway mirror.

"Do you know what time you're leaving today?" Elsa asked, trying to engage him in conversation.

"I should be out in about an hour," Alan replied curtly, still not meeting her gaze.

Accepting his terse response, Elsa headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. She moved around the kitchen with practiced ease, gathering ingredients and setting to work. Within thirty minutes, she had whipped up a simple but hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit.

"Breakfast is ready," she called out as she set the table.

Alan shocked first, then joined her at the table, sitting down and picking up his fork without a word. They ate together in relative silence, the clinking of cutlery the only sound between them. After a few minutes, Alan broke the silence.

"Do you have everything you need for the day?" he asked, finally looking up at her.

Elsa nodded, swallowing a bite of toast. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you."

Alan nodded, satisfied with her response. He finished his meal, checked his watch, and stood up. "I have to go now. I'll be back around seven."

"Alright," Elsa said, watching him as he grabbed his briefcase and headed for the door.

As the door closed behind him, the apartment felt suddenly quiet. Elsa cleaned up the kitchen and then went to the living room. She lay down on the sofa with her phone, scrolling through social media and reading messages. The quiet morning sun and the soft sofa soon lulled her into a nap.

She awoke at noon and switched on the TV. As evening approaching, she went to make dinner for them and waited for his return. At about 7.30, she turned her head to the sound of the front door opening. Blinking loneliness from her eyes, she sat up and saw Alan entering the apartment.

It was evening now, and the room was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. She was absentmindedly scrolling through her phone again with the company of tv.

Alan glanced at her, a frown briefly crossing his face, but he said nothing. He set his briefcase down and headed to his room to change out of his work clothes.

Elsa watched him go, feeling a sense of admiration. She turned her attention back to the TV, letting the background noise fill the silence of the living room.

After finished their dinner, they settled into their separate activities, the unspoken words between them lingering in the air.

As the time passing on, it was a routine she was getting used to, the quiet, distant cohabitation with Alan.

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