Chapter 12

LIA

Disoriented, I blink awake to an empty bed. My hand shoots out, finding for the familiar warmth beside me. Panic gnashes me as it meets empty cool sheets.

Then the sound of the shower from behind the bathroom door drifts my way and I calm down a bit. I'm surprised because Karl never showers this early. He is a notorious alarm clock sleeper. I have an ongoing theory that he is most capable of sleeping through an alarm clock.

I yawn and stretch, the sleep fog still hovering over my head. As if on autopilot, my legs follow the sound of the running water, slipping past the door of the bathroom.

I head straight to the vanity to get ready for my morning routine where I catch a glimpse of exposed pipes where an upper vanity should be. For some reason, my brain doesn't acknowledge this.

Turning the faucet on, I greet Karl with a cheerful, "Morning" as I splash water on my face. "What's up, today?" I ask. "Why are you awake earlier than usual?" My lips curve into a smile.

When he doesn