Maria POV
I finally peeled off my apron and tossed it into the laundry bin, the smell of coffee and waffles lingering faintly on my skin. The café was now bustling with the morning rush, but my shift was over. My body felt the usual dull ache after hours on my feet, but I needed more than just rest. I needed to get out of my own head, to shut down the confusing mess of thoughts that had been swirling since the twins had left.
Without thinking too much, I headed for the pool. The thought of water enveloping me, cool and soothing, was too tempting to pass up. The pool was my sanctuary, where I could lose myself in lap after lap and forget about everything. I grabbed my bag and made my way to the campus sports center, hoping to find some peace.
When I got there, the lanes were nearly empty
