Elodie’s POV
Morning arrives softer than I expect, sunlight slipping through the gap in the curtains and pooling warm across the foot of the bed. For a moment, I just lie there, listening to the quiet hum of the ship, letting myself surface slowly rather than all at once.
Then I remember the notes.
They're still sitting on the small table where I left them last night, folded neatly, waiting. I don't reach for them yet. Instead, I push myself up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, and pad quietly through to check on Callie.
She's still fast asleep, sprawled diagonally across the bed in the particular, boneless way only children manage, one arm flung above her head, the whale pyjamas twisted slightly from all her tossing overnight. I smile at the sight of her, some of the tightness from yes
