That morning, Elena stretched, inhaled deeply, and let the cool morning air fill her lungs.

New day.

New strength.

She went to the bathroom, brushed her teeth, washed her face until the cold water shocked life back into her skin, and tied her hair into a bun. Her reflection in the mirror smiled back at her—small, tired, but determined.

By 5:40 a.m., she was heading downstairs to join her mother.

The moment she opened the kitchen door, the familiar warmth and soft light wrapped around her. ...