The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the living room.
Lara stirred first, blinking against the soft brightness. She yawned and stretched, her muscles slightly sore from sleeping on the couch. She squinted at the wall clock to check the time.
8:26 AM.
A groggy voice mumbled from the other couch, “What time is it?”
Lara turned her head to see Ali, tangled in the blanket, peeking at her with one eye half-open.
“Eight twenty-six,” Lara answered, sitting up with a stretch that made her spine pop satisfyingly.
Ali groaned, rolling over and blindly reaching for her phone on the coffee table. Meanwhile, Lara padded quietly out of the living room, making her way to the bathroom to freshen up. She splashed cold water on her face, brushed her teeth,
