The morning felt too gentle for what was about to happen.

Amelia was awake before the sun fully rose, her small fingers brushing against my collarbone as if she were reminding herself I was still here. I watched her blink into consciousness, her eyes unfocused at first, then slowly sharpening as the world came back to her. She made a small, soft sound, questioning—and I kissed her forehead.

“Good morning, my love,” I whispered.

She answered with a yawn so wide it nearly swallowed her face.

For