Tender - Come Down When You're Ready -

The neon sign above the motel buzzed in a low, rhythmic hum that matched the thrumming in Elias’s chest. Inside Room 214, the air was thick with the scent of rain and unsaid words.

He was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching the dust motes dance in the amber glow of the bedside lamp. Across the room, she was a silhouette against the window, watching the city lights blur into streaks of gold and red. They had been in this state of suspended animation for hours—halfway between staying and leaving. TENDER - Come Down When You're Ready

They left the neon hum behind, descending the stairs into the cool night air, where the pavement was wet and the world was waiting, ready to be navigated one soft step at a time. The neon sign above the motel buzzed in

"You're drifting again," he said softly. His voice felt heavy, like it was underwater. Across the room, she was a silhouette against