Chapter 116

Derek

I got up early in the morning, just before dawn, like clockwork. My body worked on autopilot as I stretched, before picking out a black t-shirt and sweatpants, putting them on so I could go for my morning run.

The chill of the air was colder than before. And it reminded me that autumn had fully set in. Though many of the trees of the forest were evergreen, there were still piles of fallen leaves on the forest floor that crunched every time I stepped on it. It was a fun challenge every time this season came around, to build my stealth during my runs.

And just like every other time I went for a run I couldn’t help my thoughts going to Alisha, and our children. It had only been about a week since she returned, but I was getting so impatient to have her in my arms again.

She had filled out well in the last two years. Her hips were rounder, her breasts fuller. Her face had more defined cheekbones, and her skin flowed. She had also gotten an inch or so taller.

Yet her eyes were colder