Zoe didn't sleep well; her rest was fitful, haunted by thoughts of Penelope not yet being home and the recent incident with Cosmo.

Cosmo was sleeping in the adjacent room, and he wouldn't dare sneak out again. He had been remarkably well-behaved lately, but Zoe still felt a nagging anxiety, a deep-seated worry that wouldn't let go.

As someone lay down beside her, she was in a daze, debating whether to get up and check if Penelope had returned, or to peek in on Cosmo.

Suddenly sensing movement next to her, her mind snapped into alertness, and she nearly jumped out of bed, still groggy and disoriented.

Penelope had thought...