The scent of lavender shampoo still hung faintly in the air as Flora finished drying her hair, the rhythmic whir of the hairdryer finally falling silent. Tiredness tugged at her eyelids, and a comfortable silence settled over the house. They decided to call it a night.

Morning broke, painting the sky in soft hues of rose and gold.

Stella woke with a quiet determination. She slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Flora, and began her daily ritual of tidying. The living room was ...