Morning arrived without urgency. It unfolded slowly, as if the day understood the importance of giving them space to transition from the calm of the night into the clarity waiting in the hours ahead. Violet stirred first. Her breaths held a steady rhythm, her body warm beneath the blanket, and the world around her felt grounded in a way that matched the pace of the previous evening.

She opened her eyes and watched the soft light pressing through the curtains. It wasn’t bright enough to demand attention, just gentle enough to nudge her into awareness. Beside her, Bryan remained still, though she could tell he wasn’t fully asleep. His breathing...