Morning came with a flutter of nervous energy for Mia. She was up before the sun, unable to sleep as thoughts of the day ahead kept her mind racing. By the time Lisa arrived with breakfast, Mia had already showered, changed twice, and was pacing the floor.

"My goodness, you're up early," Lisa remarked, setting down the tray. "Excited for your day out?"

"Nervous is more like it," Mia admitted, eyeing the toast and eggs without much appetite. "I don't even know if this meeting is real."

Lisa ...