Chapter 51

The morning came earlier than I expected. I woke before the alarm, the room still dim with soft light slipping through the curtains. Daisy was curled against me, breathing softly, her little arm flung over my waist. I brushed her hair back from her face, kissed her forehead, and whispered for her to wake.

She stirred slowly, her eyes fluttering open. “Good morning, Mommy.”

“Good morning, love,” I said, smoothing her hair again.

We went through the small morning routines, like brushing teeth, getting dressed, and fixing her hair. I ordered breakfast from the hotel kitchen, and while we waited, I took a bath. The water calmed me and helped me breathe easier.

By the time I stepped out wrapped in a towel, the food had arrived. Daisy sat on the bed, her little legs swinging, and I joined her. We ate together, quietly, our spoons clinking against the plates. She told me about a dream she had, something about flying over candy houses, and I laughed softly.

Whe