There’s a loud knock on my front door, and I’m so exhausted I have to actually take a moment to remember where I am. Thankfully, my eyes have gotten very used to the dark, and I manage to make it to the door without turning on any of the lights. Mother is on the other side with a steaming mug of tea and a smile on her face. 

“Morning, sunshine,” she says cheerfully as she pushes the mug into my hands. “I hope you’ve enjoyed the last two days of reprieve because that’s ...