Golden sunlight streamed through the curtains as dawn broke into a brilliant morning.
The persistent knocking at her bedroom door dragged Kimi from deep sleep. She blinked groggily, her body protesting as she pushed herself upright on the mattress.
The knocking continued with gentle insistence. Stifling a yawn, she stumbled toward the door, her bare feet cold against the hardwood floor. When she pulled it open, her mother stood in the hallway with a concerned expression.
"Good morning, sweetheart."
"Morning, Mom."
Kimi stepped forward into her mother's embrace, feeling the familiar comfort of Delia's arms around her. Her mother's hand rubbed soothing circles on her back, but there was something different in her touch today.
"Are you feeling alright, Kimi?"
