The next morning carried a quiet steadiness that wrapped itself around Violet the moment she opened her eyes. She blinked at the soft light spreading across the ceiling, feeling a gentle awareness settle through her body. Nothing inside her rushed. Her thoughts felt organized, almost measured, as though the day had taken a moment to understand her pace before she even stood up.

She pushed back the covers and moved toward the bathroom. Warm water washed away the last traces of sleep, leaving her refreshed. When she stepped into the hallway, she heard a light clink of ceramic and the low hum of a kettle heating on the stove.

Bryan...