The morning began with a sense of unease. As the dawn light filtered through the window, casting a soft glow over the small apartment, I felt a knot in my stomach. Jennie seemed unusually quiet, her normally cheerful demeanor replaced by a sulky silence. I tried to engage her in conversation, but she responded with short, curt answers, her eyes avoiding mine.

"Is something wrong, Jennie?" I asked, hoping to coax out whatever was bothering her.