Madelyn soon slept after hanging up the phone and cleaning the photos on the wall. Zach, always out and about from dawn till dusk, did not return until well past midnight.

The car engine roared, and a blinding set of high beams flashed by. Downstairs, exhaustion filled Zach's eyes. He exited the car with his forehead rubbed and strolled to the third-floor master bedroom. The door latch clicked open.

Madelyn was sound asleep until she felt the bed sagging. That slight disturbance woke her up a bit.

Zach ditched his jacket and lay on the freshly changed sheets. He scooped Madelyn up, along with the blanket, into his arms. Smelling the flowery shower gel on her, it was like Zach had brushed away his mixed feelings.

With a sleepy look, Madelyn opened her eyes halfway. She spoke softly, "What's that smell on you? Go take a shower."

"Okay, I'll go in a while."

Madelyn was too tired. Before long, she dozed off again. Zach adjusted the shoulder straps of her nightgown, which had slipped