It was 6:00 in the morning when Tom woke up.
He had fallen asleep on the couch.
Slowly sitting up, he noticed Anna was already gone—she had left early for school.
Tom let out a quiet breath.
He stood, took a shower, then went to the closet and put on a suit.
While getting ready, his eyes landed on the gift box on the cabinet.
He paused.
Tom opened it and checked inside.
The watch was still there.
Unworn.
His expression darkened slightly, disappointment flashing in his eyes.
Without a word, he placed the box back into the drawer with his other watches.
He went downstairs and looked around.
"Anna went to school early this morning," Janet said.
"Mm," Tom nodded.
He walked toward the parking lot.
Janet followed him.
"You should eat breakfast first," she reminded him gently.
Tom stopped, turned back, and smiled.
"I'll go ahead, Ma," he said.
He walked over and hugged her.
"Thank you, Ma. See you tonight."
