Rain tapped the cobblestones. A lamp flickered weakly. She collapsed near roses. Blood pooled beneath silk. He knelt, face pale. “Run!” she gasped, dying. Keys jingled in shadows. Footsteps crunched gravel, fleeing. Dawn painted cracked walls. Smoke curled from chimney. Cat yowled on sill. Hat lay in gutter. Letter burned in fireplace. Clock struck five, slow. Wind slammed the door.