Breaking the Grid

Morning calm

The soft patter of rain against the window was the first thing I heard as I stirred awake. It wasn't the harsh, relentless kind of rain that made you want to pull the covers over your head and sleep for another hour, but the kind that whispered against the glass, steady and calming.

I blinked a few times, my eyes adjusting to the gray light filtering through the curtains. The familiar warmth of my bed surrounded me, the faint scent of Kyra's perfume still lingering in the sheets. I shifted slightly, turning toward her side of the bed—only to find it empty.

For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the rumpled spot where she should have been. The blanket was tossed aside like she'd left in a hurry, and the faint warmth in the sheets was long gone.

I sat up slowly, running a hand through my messy hair. The room was quiet except for the sound of rain

Sliding out of bed, I padded over to the chair in the corner of the room where my clothes were draped haphazardly from the night before. I grabbed one of Kyra's oversized shirts instead, slipping it over my head. It smelled like her—clean and warm, like fresh laundry and something uniquely Kyra.

Barefoot, I made my way across the room, pausing briefly to glance at myself in the mirror. My hair was a mess, and the shirt hung loosely on me, falling to mid-thigh. I gave myself a half-hearted smile, tugging at the hem before stepping out into the hallway.

The faint sound of music reached me as I walked toward the bathroom. It was soft, almost distant, like it was coming from downstairs. I ducked into the bathroom quickly, splashing some water on my face and running my fingers through my hair in an attempt to tame it. It didn't help much, but it was enough to make me feel a little more awake.

As I stepped out of the bathroom, the music became clearer—something light and melodic, the kind of song that made you sway without realizing it. My curiosity grew, and I made my way downstairs, the sound leading me to the kitchen.

The moment I reached the bottom of the stairs, the scent of coffee hit me, warm and inviting. I turned the corner and peeked into the kitchen.

Kyra was there, standing by the counter with her back to me. She was wearing sweatpants and a tank top. She moved with a casual ease, swaying slightly to the music as she poured something into a mug.

The rain outside blurred the light streaming in through the window, making the whole room feel cozy and intimate. I leaned against the doorway for a moment, just watching her.

Her movements were unhurried, relaxed, and there was something so comforting about the way she hummed along to the song playing from the small speaker on the counter. I couldn't help but smile, the tension I hadn't even realized I was carrying melting away.

"Morning," I said finally, stepping into the room.

Kyra turned, startled at first, but her expression softened when she saw me. "Morning," she said, her voice warm. Her eyes flicked down to the shirt I was wearing, and her lips curved into a small smile. "Nice shirt."

I grinned, tugging at the hem playfully. "Thanks. I borrowed it from this girl I know. Thought it might look better on me."

Kyra chuckled, shaking her head as she leaned back against the counter. "Well, you're not wrong."

The teasing lilt in her voice made my chest feel lighter, and I crossed the room, the smell of coffee and rain wrapping around me like a blanket. "What are you doing up so early?" I asked, glancing at the counter where a plate of toast and some fruit were set out.

"Couldn't sleep," she admitted, shrugging. "Figured I'd make breakfast. Want some?"

I nodded, leaning against the counter next to her. "Only if you're making coffee too."