C42 The Noose Tightens

Rachel hadn’t slept.

The word *Choice* had followed her into dreams, chasing her through endless corridors until she jolted awake in a sweat. Now, in the pale gray wash of dawn, she sat on the edge of the bed with the slip of paper still clutched in her hand.

Ethan slept soundly beside her, his face unreadable even in rest. She stared at him, searching for softness in the curve of his mouth