At first, there was nothing but silence until a soft giggle stirred me from the depths of my dreams.
I blinked against the afternoon light filtering through the curtains, trying to find the source of the sound. Another muffled chuckle followed, lighter this time. Slowly, I pushed myself onto my elbows.
And then I saw her.
A little girl, no older than five, stood near the bed with her hands clasped behind her back, swaying slightly on her feet. She had long, flowing curls that cascaded past her shoulders in soft waves. But it was her eyes that caught my breath—brilliant silver, the same as Gideon's. The same as Sarah's.
She grinned widely when she saw me staring at her.
"You're finally awake!" she chirped excitedly, bouncing on her heels.
I opened my mouth to say something, but my voice failed me. The little girl turned her curious gaze to the still-sleeping boys beside me. Her excitement seemed barely contained as she whispered, "Are they still sleeping?"
