Send Sarah home

Sarah's warmth against my side feels comforting, yet tonight it underscores the lines I'm redrawing. The sitcom drones on, canned laughter filling the pauses, but my mind drifts to the morning ahead. Elena's emoji lingers in my thoughts, a small beacon amid the tangle.

I turn to Sarah, her head resting on my shoulder, and gently disentangle myself. "Hey, it's getting late. You should head home, get some real rest. Work's been long enough today."

She lifts her face, surprise flickering in her blue eyes, but she nods without protest, her smile soft and accepting. "Of course, Master. If that's what you need." She stands, smoothing her shirt, and collects her things from the entryway. No pleading, no lingering touch. Her devotion respects the boundary I set. At the door, she pauses, leaning in for a quick kiss on my cheek, her lips light and brief. "Sleep well. I'll see you soon."

The door clicks shut behind her, leaving the apartment quieter, the air cooler without her energy. I pace the living room for a bit, phone in hand, replaying the texts. Guilt about Sarah eases slightly, replaced by a tentative hope for tomorrow, Saturday. No alarm blaring for the office grind. No Mark scowling over deadlines. Just time to face Elena honestly, without the app's shadows.

I finally crash on the bed, sleep pulling me under faster than expected, dreams fragmented but free of nightmares.

Morning light filters through the blinds, rousing me early. I shower quickly, the hot water chasing away the last dregs of tension. Today calls for effort, something sharper than my usual rumpled work clothes. I dig out a crisp button-down shirt, navy blue that hugs my frame without trying too hard, and pair it with dark jeans that fit just right. A quick glance in the mirror shows the natural charisma shining through, amplified but unforced. The app dormant on my phone. No weaves today. Just me, stepping into the day with Elena waiting at Brew Haven.

The clock reads 9:15. Plenty of time to walk over, heart steady with anticipation.