The lone woman on the bed wasn’t sure what woke her. 

Perhaps it was the peeking rays of sunlight that impressed upon the muted light of the early morning.  The cold air on naked skin may have been the offender, prompting a disconcerting shiver urging her to stir.  The warmth that would have negated the chill was absent. 

Outside, just beyond their bedroom’s windows, a stillness in the air called out the infancy of daybreak.  One that emphasized the feeling of being exposed and forgotten.

Consciousness slowly then fully overtook her drowsy state.  With a start she sat up, awake and aware of something…someone missing.

Swinging her legs over the side she stood up unsteadily.  Her muscles clearly affected by the quick movement.  Their sexual vigor still fresh in memory. 

Looking around, she couldn’t believe her lover found a way to disentangle herself without disturbing her sleep.  The wealth of emotional and physical tiredness that encompassed her entirety must have played a role. 

Searching the bedroom for any trace of company she found none. 

Hopeful the bathroom would yield her partner’s presence, she raced through the hallway to find the door slightly ajar.  Yet only an empty room greeted her. 

Optimistic, she proceeded towards the kitchen.  Surely she would find whom she sought brewing coffee as was routine every morning.  Always making sure to have it ready for them before leaving.  Faithfully.

The expectation she clung to lent buoyancy to her step as she moved confidently through the house.  As she drew closer though, her senses did not detect the unmistakable aroma or sounds of movement. 

Her feet came to a standstill upon turning the corner.  Leaning heavily against the refrigerator she acknowledged the emptiness that met her. 

The burgeoning warmth and light from outside failed to allay the bareness.

No coffee.  No Bette.  For the second time in the tumultuous hours that passed when all this started, Tina could hardly breathe. 

Shivering in earnest beyond what any early morning chill would bring forth, the blonde bent over at the waist.  She pressed trembling hands onto her thighs for support.  The lightheadedness would result in a messy and unpleasant visit to the bathroom if the woman didn’t regain control.