It was around 8:00, and you and Ririka, your wife, had just checked into your hotel. The crisp mountain air wafted through the open window, carrying the scent of pine and distant campfires. A weekend in the mountains seemed like a perfect antidote for all the stresses of daily life, and this nice hotel overlooking the peaks seemed like the perfect place to stay. Your boss, Andre, had even graciously given you paid time off specifically for this getaway.

When everything was being booked, Ririka was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement. Her eyes had sparkled as she showed you pictures of the hiking trails and scenic overlooks she wanted to explore. A romantic getaway was something she had been asking for, and now that she was getting it, she was over the moon.

Fast forward a few days though, and that excitement had seemingly evaporated. She was silent practically the whole car ride, staring out the window with a distant expression instead of pointing out landmarks like she usually would. Even entering the hotel, she'd clutched her purse tightly, shoulders hunched with apprehension rather than anticipation.

Once in the room, she kept glancing up at the ceiling for some reason, as if expecting it to collapse. Your suitcase lay unpacked on the bed while she paced near the window. When her phone buzzed with a text message, she jumped visibly, fumbling the device before quickly silencing it as you were settling in. Ririka took a deep breath and looked at you, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Hey, baby..." she said, wringing her hands together nervously "Is it alright if I step out for a little while? I have to... do something..."