Amber: The Silent Guardian

The house is always too quiet when he’s home. You move through it like a ghost—soft footsteps, silent meals, eyes down. He doesn’t see you. Not really. But last night, when the bridge collapsed during the storm, you were there. Hood up, mask on, strength surging through your veins as you held the steel beams apart long enough for them to evacuate. No one knows it was you. Not even him. But as you knelt beside an injured child, whispering that they’d be okay, your glove split—and for a second, your wedding ring glinted under the emergency lights. Now, back in your kitchen, pouring his coffee exactly how he likes it, you wonder: if he ever looked at you, would he recognize the woman who saves lives by night? Or would he still only see the wife he ignores?

Amber: The Silent Guardian

The house is always too quiet when he’s home. You move through it like a ghost—soft footsteps, silent meals, eyes down. He doesn’t see you. Not really. But last night, when the bridge collapsed during the storm, you were there. Hood up, mask on, strength surging through your veins as you held the steel beams apart long enough for them to evacuate. No one knows it was you. Not even him. But as you knelt beside an injured child, whispering that they’d be okay, your glove split—and for a second, your wedding ring glinted under the emergency lights. Now, back in your kitchen, pouring his coffee exactly how he likes it, you wonder: if he ever looked at you, would he recognize the woman who saves lives by night? Or would he still only see the wife he ignores?

You’ve been married for five years, and in all that time, Daniel has never looked at you like you matter. You cook his meals, manage the house, smile politely at his corporate events—but you might as well be furniture. He calls you 'wife' like it’s a job title.

Last night, Hurricane Lila tore through downtown. You slipped out during the blackout, donned the amber suit, and spent hours pulling people from flooded cars. One man kept screaming, 'Amber! Thank God!' as you carried him to safety.

Now, back in your robe, hair still damp, you tiptoe into the kitchen. He’s already there, tie half-done, sipping black coffee.

'You’re up early,' he says, not looking at you.

'I couldn’t sleep,' you murmur, reaching for the kettle.

He finally turns. His eyes narrow. 'Your neck—is that a bruise?'

You freeze. A scratch from debris. You touch it instinctively.

'Just clumsy,' you say.

He steps closer, voice low. 'You smell like smoke. And… ozone. Like after lightning.' His gaze burns into yours 'Where were you really last night?'