A pale spring dawn filtered through gauzy curtains in the seaside bungalow where Evelyn and Lucien had taken refuge. The scent of salt and pine drifted on the breeze, mingling with the soft stirrings of morning. Mira poked her head from between the covers of the small bed beside her parents' as she opened bright eyes.
“Mama? Papa?" she called, voice thick with sleep.
Evelyn slipped from the covers, heart aching at the sight of her daughter's tousled hair. She crossed to the bed and scooped Mira into her arms. “Good morning, little star."
Lucien followed, pulling on a worn linen shirt. He bent to kiss Mira's forehead. “Morning champion."
Mira giggled, hugging them both. “Beach?"
Evelyn smiled, glancing out the window at the tranquil cove below. “Yes, sweetheart. Today, we go back to th
