Jenna finally relaxed as the school collaboration was settled.

For once, she went to bed early without tossing and turning.

Moonlight spilled like water outside, dotted with stars that draped the city in silver.

"Ethan!"

A scream shattered the night's silence. Jenna bolted upright, her forehead glistening with sweat.

She looked around dazedly, fingers clutching the blanket edge.

"Just a dream..."

She turned on the bedside lamp, its warm glow dispelling the darkness.

Her hand brushed the empty space beside her, reminding her Ethan was on a classified mission.

"Why would I dream that..."

Jenna got up to pour water, her hands trembling slightly.

In the dream, Ethan leaned against their doorway in a blood-soaked uniform.

She'd rushed to grasp his hand, only to feel sticky wetness.

"Forgive me."

With those words, he'd pulled away and vanished into darkness.

Jenna stared at her palm as if the vivid crimson still stained it.

"That uniform was drenched in blood..."

Clutching her chest, she felt an invisible fist squeeze her heart.

At dawn's first light, Jenna went to her parents' house.

Hoping for comfort, she found them laughing with Aunt Daisy.

"Jenna, try this protein shake," Daisy offered warmly.

She forced a smile. "Thanks, Aunt Daisy."

Her mother noticed her pallor. "Trouble at school?"

"No..." Jenna shook her head. "I had a nightmare."

Her mother patted her hand dismissively. "Dreams mean the opposite."

"But this felt so real..."

"Silly girl, just flip your pillow over before sleeping," her mother chuckled.

Jenna sighed helplessly.

Daisy brought homemade burgers. "I brought these specially for you."

Jenna took a mechanical bite, tasting nothing.

"I need to make a call." She set down the burger and hurried to the living room.

A calm male voice answered. "Who may I say is calling?"

"I'm Ethan's wife. Has he returned from his mission?" Her voice quivered.

A pause. "One moment please."

A deeper voice came on. "Mrs. Roscente, mission details are confidential. We appreciate your understanding."

Jenna gripped the receiver. "The children miss him..."

Instantly regretting the weak excuse—their toddlers were too young to verbalize missing Daddy.

The officer ignored the flimsy pretext. "Please wait patiently. He'll return after completing his assignment."