Chloe’s POV

The morning came slower this time,

like it was afraid to arrive,

like it knew what waited for us in the light.

I woke up before my alarm, my body tense, my heart already tired. The house felt different, it was too quiet, and so calm. No one spoke about last night discussion. No one mentioned Mira’s name out loud, as if saying it might make her absence permanent.

I went straight to my baby’s room.

He was awake, small fists moving in the air, his ...