Fiona woke to the soft gray light slipping between the blinds. Her phone alarm hadn't even gone off yet; her body had simply decided sleep was over. She lay still for a moment, one hand resting on her stomach, feeling the faint flutter that had become her morning greeting.She smiled despite everything, a small, private thing meant only for the two of them.
She reached for her phone.
Texted Elara first.
Morning Mom. How's the shop? Everything okay? Love you.
The reply came almost immediately.
Pipe's fixed, baby girl. Back tonight. You okay? You sounded tired yesterday.
Fiona stared at the message.
Typed: I'm okay. Just early appointment today. Talk later.
She hit send before she could add anything else.
Then she got up.
Showered.
