The morning unfolded gently — the kind of morning that didn’t demand anything from them. Sunlight filtered through the curtains in quiet ribbons, and for once, the city outside seemed to hum in harmony instead of chaos. Violet stirred awake to the scent of coffee, the soft clatter of dishes, and the faint hum of a tune Bryan was trying and failing to whistle.

She lay there for a moment, watching him move around their kitchen. He wasn’t dressed for work. No suit, no phone glued to his hand. Just a simple gray T shirt, the sleeves pushed up, his hair still damp from a shower. He looked normal.

“Are...