The morning sun was just beginning to rise, its soft golden light spilling through the thin curtains of the small apartment. Lily stretched lazily and rubbed her eyes, still half-asleep. Her mother, Clara, walk inside the room fixing her hair with one hand while trying to wake Lily properly with the other.

“Come on, sleepyhead,” Clara said with a smile. “You’ll be late for work.”

Lily yawned. “Five more minutes, Mom,” she mumbled, pulling the blanket over her head.

Before Clara could reply, there was a sudden knock at the door firm and clear. Both mother and daughter froze for a moment, exchanging puzzled looks. Hardly anyone visited them this...