The morning after felt heavier than it should have. Aqua had tossed and turned all night, replaying Aries’s outburst and wondering how she was supposed to handle him from now on. Eventually, pretending to sleep became pointless. She dragged herself out of bed, brushed her teeth, washed her face, and pulled on black yoga pants with a bright pink Lululemon sweatshirt.
The smell of bacon greeted her before she even reached the kitchen. Hilda stood at the stove, tending to perfectly crisping slices in the cast‑iron pan. When Aqua slumped into the breakfast nook, Hilda gave her a knowing look.
“My sweet child, you look exhausted,” she said, transferring a strip of bacon onto a paper‑towel‑lined plate.
“I feel exhausted,” Aqua muttered.
“I’ll make you a cup of coffee.” Hilda’s voice softened
