The morning sun cast a soft glow through the kitchen window as Emilia prepared breakfast for Raymond. She had been extra cautious with each ingredient, triple-checking every detail before placing it on the tray. As she arranged the fresh bread, sliced fruit, and eggs, she found herself humming softly, feeling a small sense of peace in the quiet of the morning.

Emilia’s hand paused over the tray, her fingers brushing the rim of Raymond’s coffee cup as she heard the front door creak open. A frown crossed her face. Visitors were rare this early, especially without warning. She set the cup down, her heartbeat picking up as footsteps echoed through...