Niko turned and felt the space next to him – it was cold and empty. With eyes closed, he ran his hand over the empty space and reached forward thinking that maybe Riki was just on her side, closer to the edge of the bed. He didn't sense any presence nor could he hear any soft snore or breathing so he opened his eyes and allowed his eyesight to adjust to the dimness of the room. Within seconds, he realized that he was alone in bed; Riki's side of the bed was neat and didn't seem to have been used or slept on. Niko tried to recall what happened just hours before when he said he was going to bed.
"I'm going to bed na...goodnight..." Niko said as he stood up from the sofa after switching off the TV.
"...s...sige...sunod ako..." Riki replied not looking up from the papers she had on the table.
---
Even if he worked from home, Niko had a rather full day himself. After bringing Riki to work by accompanying her on his scooter, Niko returned home to get his motorcycle and did bank errands as soon as the offices opened. He had his class before lunchtime and went out again to shop for food supplies and work materials, before picking Riki up from work. He went for his late afternoon run on the rooftop. He also prepared their dinner but let Riki do the washing up. It was a rather full and busy day so he fell asleep almost immediately after he lay down in bed.
Niko sat up and looked around the bedroom. Everything seemed to be in order; the lights in the bathroom were also off. He stood up and went to the bathroom.
"Punch?" He said softly as he slowly opened the door. There was no response so he opened it fully and flicked on the light switch. He used the toilet then washed his hand. Niko wondered where Riki was as he glanced at the clock on the bedside table – 2:36am.
---
Even if the electric fan was switched on, it warmer in the living room. Niko found Riki sleeping on the sofa with her hair sticking to her forehead and neck. He got a small towel and gently wiped her sweat.
As Niko gingerly tried to wipe the sweat from Riki's back by snaking his hand up her shirt, Riki stirred awake.
"...no..."
"Anong no? You're pawis na o. Bakit dito ka natulog?"
"Baka mahawa ka..." Riki said as she sat up.
"Huh?" Niko sat beside her and Riki immediately moved to the far end of the sofa.
"Stay away..."
"What's going on? Punch? Babe?" Niko said as he watched Riki stand up from the sofa and sit on the stool in the kitchen.
Niko was about to follow Riki to where she was seated but she curled up and hugged her knees while putting out her other hand to say, "stop."
