Lois's POV

The late afternoon sun poured through the big windows of my studio, warm and golden on the wooden floors. I stood in front of the mannequin, pinning the neckline of a pale silk dress I was making for a client. The fabric felt cool and slippery under my fingers. I was wearing a simple white tank top and a short black skirt that rode up when I bent over. No bra today because it was just me and the sewing machine. My nipples brushed against the thin cotton every time I moved.

The radio sat on the shelf above my cutting table, playing low like it always did...