Every bone in my body aches and the memories of yesterday flood me. I curl into a ball on my bed, seeking warmth further under my covers. In a happy marriage, a husband would comfort his wife. However, in my marriage, I comfort myself apparently. For once, I simply want to be held by someone that loves me. It would seem that my punishment in this life for what I did to Elisabeth will always prevent me from having what I desire most. To be loved. “Edith,” Alexander’s deep voice calls from the doorway. I pretend to still be sleeping. I’m not ready to deal with him today. Yesterday, he valiantly rescued me from Victor. For a moment, I assumed maybe he cared for me. But then, he sulked in the corner and stewed about the entire ordeal. Never once did he ask me to talk about what happened. I was left to manage on my own. The floor creaks as he steps into the room and strides over to my bedside. The bed squeaks when he sits beside me. My heart flutters at his proximity and I desperately attempt to calm it down.
