The Lake I

<>

I stirred in my sleep and found the hammock empty.

My eyes snapped wide open.

I was sure I had Zoe’s warm little form snuggled up in my side when I fell asleep. Where was she now?

I cranked my neck to check if there was a light coming from the bathroom. Nope!

I sat up and checked the time on my phone. It was around dawn. It was too early for anything. Especially considering how late we had fallen asleep.

I felt a sudden tightening in my chest.

‘She left us.’ Spike whispered in despair and I scolded him, ‘Why would she do that?’

She wouldn’t do that to me. I thought to myself. I had given her no reason to abandon me in the middle of the night like a thief.

‘Then where is she?’ Spike asked sarcastically.

‘How would I know? I woke up with you.’ I retorted, getting up and finding my slippers.

‘She is so far from her home.’ Spike mused sadly.

‘You were the one gushing about how she is our mate.’ I rolled my eyes, looking for signs of her presence or absence.

‘So?” He rep