I woke up feel the ache of the loss of my mate. I wasn’t sure how it happened but I knew something wasn’t right. He was right there next to me but I looked over and he wasn’t there anymore. I got out of bed and went down the hall and out the door to find him outside.

Rydel the elf sat on his makeshift bed and tossed and turned in his attempt to fall sleep. “Go to bed, Rydel.” Herein grumbled, half awake.

Jerry glanced down at the photograph in his hand, then back up again at the woman sitting alone at the back of the cafe.