They had always enjoyed their special morning ritual.
The house is just not the same without her, but this morning would be different. He wakes to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Downstairs he finds two slices of buttered fruit loaf sitting on a pre-warmed plate. The morning paper has been brought in and placed next to the plate. He opens it and sits for a while eating, drinking and reading. He then wanders into the lounge with his paper and settles down in his usual armchair. A short time later he walks back through the kitchen and goes out into the garden, where he looks for her, happily pottering around. Naturally enough, she isn’t there.
The house is just not the same without her.
He wakes with a jolt.