Episode 26

He returned from the grocery store, his arms laden with bags. Zee watched him, her heart a leaden weight in her chest. He’d bought her a dress, a soft, flowing fabric the color of a bruised twilight, and heels that pinched her already aching feet. There were also small, brightly colored boxes of chocolates and bottles of sparkling cider, meant to be a treat, she supposed. He set the bags down on the worn kitchen counter, his movements almost gentle.

“Here,” he said, his voice a low rumble that still sent a tremor through her. He held out a small, velvet jewelry box. Inside, nestled on satin, was a delicate silver chain with a single, impossibly blue sapphire pendant. “A gift. For my wife.”

Zee’s hands trembled as she reached for it, the cool metal a stark contrast to the feverish heat that seemed to emanate from her skin. She clasped it around her neck, the stone resting just above the place where the bruises from his grip were slowly fading.