After closing the door, she leaned back against it, a smirk forming on her lips as she heard the man outside also retreating to his room. With a light heart, she made her way to the bed.
The room was filled with the subtle scent of lavender, a fragrance that promised a good night's sleep. Sylvia closed her eyes, shifting a few times before drifting off into a deep slumber.
Meanwhile, the light in the room next door stayed on until 3 a.m. before finally going out.
The next morning, Grandpa Jarvis was taking his usual stroll in the garden when he saw Gabriel jogging back from his morning run.
"Morning, Grandpa!" Gabriel greeted, stepping inside with sweat beading his forehead and his hair damp from the morning mist.
Grandpa Jarvis chuckled, "Up with the dawn for a jog? Did you have trouble sleeping, or perhaps you didn't sleep at all?"
Gabriel, ever so composed, replied, "With the lavender sachets you gave me, I slept like a log!"
Laughing, Grandpa Jarvis advised, "Go on then. Check if Sylvia's up. If she's still sleeping, let her be. Estelle's probably catching up on her sleep too. If she's awake, call her down for breakfast."
"Alright," Gabriel nodded, making his way to the back of the house.
Reaching Sylvia's door just as she was stepping out, she appeared radiant, clad in a cozy, oversized taupe sweater, her hair casually tied back with a few strands framing her face.
"Morning, Mr. Carnes!" Sylvia greeted, stepping into the sunlight with a smile. "Been for a run?"
"Yeah, Grandpa sent me to invite you for breakfast. Just give me a sec to shower!" Gabriel responded.
Separated by a decorative screen was what seemed to be Gabriel's bedroom.
Sylvia ventured no further, choosing instead to sit and browse through one of the books he often read.
The morning sun was gentle, casting a soft, warm glow on her and creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the bookshelf, reminiscent of a classic painting.
She was so engrossed in the serene ambiance that she didn't notice Gabriel until she heard the rustling behind her.
Turning, her gaze met his through the semi-transparent screen. Fresh from the shower, wrapped in a towel around his waist, Gabriel was drying his hair with another.
Feeling her presence, he looked up, locking eyes with Sylvia through the screen.
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