Winter thinned slowly, like a sigh leaving the sky, and London settled back into its familiar rhythm. Brianna woke to the quiet hum of her small house, to Lucas’s warm breath against her cheek, to mornings that smelled of pancakes and crayons. Her parents had already flown home to the Philippines. The house felt hollow without Laurel’s gentle voice or Luke’s steady presence, but life continued.
Janna arrived each day with calm hands and soft steps. She folded laundry, tidied rooms, helped Lucas with crafts, and watched Brianna with the silent understanding of someone who recognized a woman trying very hard not to fall apart. She never asked questions. She simply steadied the home while Brianna steadied herself.
For a time, it felt almost peaceful.
Then the call came.
Exactly two weeks
