The following morning, Sylvie woke up early, the quiet of the weekend feeling peaceful.
She rolled out of bed and headed into the bathroom, brushed her teeth, freshened up then changed into something comfortable, soft trousers and a loose top. Nothing formal. Nothing she had to think too hard about. At least it was comfortable enough for a lazy morning.
When she stepped out of her room, the hallway was quiet. As she walked downstairs, the house felt awake but not loud. Workers moved about quietly, doing their usual morning routines, cleaning, arranging flowers, adjusting curtains. It all felt normal.
She reached the bottom of the stairs when she heard her name.
"Miss Wilfred."
She turned.
Ryan stood a few steps away with his posture straight as always. He looked like he had been up f
