Save or Ruin

The room was quiet except for the faint hum of the city outside.

Arturo stood by the window of the small apartment he had insisted Chiara stay in neutral ground, safe, away from too many familiar eyes.

The curtains were half-drawn, letting in streaks of the bright streetlight that cut across the floor.

Chiara sat on the edge of the couch, her hands wrapped tightly around a mug she hadn’t touched.