Grace gave him a slight nod as a greeting, without saying anything. Alexander paused mid-step, but before he could speak, Sophia ran down the stairs past him and threw herself into Grace's arms. Grace hugged her, gently stroking her hair, and smiled: "Go have your breakfast quick, Soph, or we'll be late for school."

Just as expected, she'd woken up to see Mom! After nuzzling against her mother, taking in her familiar scent, Sophia was content. She happily pulled Grace along, ...