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Her bedroom was enveloped in a tranquil silence, where the only sound was the steady rhythm of her breathing. Her back rose and fell gently as she lay on her stomach, dark curls spilling across her face, partially obscuring her features in a soft, shadowed veil. The quietude of the room seemed to mirror the calm of her resting form, each breath a delicate whisper in the otherwise still space.
Spencer stood in the doorway, his silhouette casting a quiet shadow over the room as he watched her sleep. His eyes traced the gentle rise and fall of her body, the steady rhythm of her breaths a soothing lullaby that eased his troubled mind. Leaning against the doorframe, he allowed himself a moment of solace, the day's events replaying in his mind like a relentless, weary loop.
Unable to stay away any longer, he quietly entered the room. His footsteps muffled by the thickness of the carpet, he approached her bedside, his gaze never leaving her peaceful form. At that moment, Jax appeared in the doorway, his presence a sudden, lively contrast to the stillness.
"Is she still asleep?" he asked, his voice carrying a note of casual curiosity. He held a bag in his hands, and Spencer's eyes were drawn to the enticing glimpse of ice cream and cookies peeking out. The cheerful sight was a welcome distraction from the room's tranquil atmosphere, a small promise of comfort and normalcy. Spencer nodded, his gaze lingering on Carli's serene, sleeping form, as though reluctant to part with the peaceful sight. He allowed his eyes to shift momentarily toward Jax, noting with a hint of gratitude the bag of treats he carried.
"Yeah," Spencer replied, his voice barely more than a whisper. "She's still asleep. Thanks for bringing the snacks." With a subtle gesture, Spencer stepped aside, creating space for Jax to enter the room. The aroma of ice cream and freshly baked cookies drifted through the air, a sweet, comforting scent that cut through the room's hushed stillness. Spencer inhaled deeply, silently appreciative of the welcome distraction from the pervasive quiet and his own restless thoughts.
"She's gonna want an ice cream sandwich when she wakes up," Jax murmured, his voice carrying a note of tender certainty as he drew closer. He settled onto the edge of her bed with a careful, almost reverent movement, his fingers gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. His touch was both soothing and protective, an unspoken promise of care.
His gaze remained steadfastly on Carli's sleeping visage, lingering with concern on the cut marring her top lip and the ominous purple bruise blossoming on her jaw. Jax's focus was absorbed by these marks of her recent struggle, his eyes softening with an unspoken resolve. "I have to go to work," he continued, his tone a quiet blend of resignation and trust.
