Life had quietly settled back into its familiar rhythm. The raw hunger that had consumed them for weeks slowly eased. Ellen was warm and attentive at home, perhaps even more affectionate than usual. She lingered in Michael's arms after sex, her skin still flushed and damp, kissing him softly. She made his favorite meals, laughed easily at his jokes, and curled against him on the couch in the evenings. To Michael, it appea...