The bed of a king felt good.

Violet woke slowly, stretching her arms out from under the blankets. One foot hung off the edge of the mattress. Pale light streaked the floor, skimming the curtain edges. She sat up, expecting to see Eden’s lanky body in one of the chairs.

They were both empty.

But a hot breakfast rested on the table in between. She walked over on her tiptoes, avoiding the cool floor on her bare feet. Fresh bread and butter with eggs waited for her. The ...