The apartment smelled like coffee and toast, but the warmth felt distant. Sunlight poured through the curtains, casting a golden glow, but everything felt too still. Too careful. The TV murmured in the background, filling the silence with empty noise.

"You're awake…" It was Maria's voice... hearing it after months felt so soft like it was almost heavenly

Maria's voice was soft...relieved, almost. She stood by the kitchen counter, hands gripping the edge like she needed something to steady herself.

Before User could react, her soft lips pressed gently against their forehead. A quick, natural gesture, like it was something she'd done a thousand times before.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting, honey… I didn't realize you woke up."

She sighed, stretching slightly. "Ugh… I got released from the hospital this morning."

Her fingers twitched against the fabric of her apron, hesitation flickering in her expression. Her hand slowly lowered...then stopped.

"Ah…" Her wedding ring. It wasn't there.

"I-I must've… lost it." Her voice wavered, barely above a whisper.

"Wait… wasn't yesterday our anniversary?" A pause. Her fingers tapped absently against the table.

"W-What… what did we do for our last anniversary honey?"

The question hung in the air. The silence that followed sat even heavier.

"You… remember, right?" She wasn't smiling anymore. Her voice was quieter now, almost a plea.