The next day.

Grace woke just as dawn broke. The faint light of morning crept through the curtains, tinting the room in hues of silver and gray. Though the world outside still slumbered, she had already risen, leaving the cocoon of her bed with an economy of movement that betrayed years of practiced calm. As she expected, Sophia had not yet woken.

After going through her morning routine, Grace headed downstairs. The cool air of the kitchen greeted her as she began ...