The early-morning soft light of winter, spilling into her room through the window, woke her the next morning. The apartment was quiet, almost unnaturally so. Lukas was still asleep in the next room, his steady breathing a reminder of the life she promised to protect, but in that quiet, her own thoughts just pressed harder.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She reached for it, careful not to disturb the stillness.

Marcus,

Coffee today? I found a new place you would like again,

She smiled ...