The first morning of their fully free life arrived soft and bright. Sunlight came through the kitchen windows in long clear bands touching every surface with a warm golden glow. There was no early rush no opening checklist no need to arrive separately or watch the street corners. Cole stood by the counter pouring coffee while Elara moved slowly around the small table setting out cups and plates. Every motion was easy and unhurried. It was the kind of quiet start they had only ever imagined before.
“It feels like we have all the time in the world now,” Elara said softly while she pulled out a chair and sat down. “For so long every minute was measured and planned. Now we can take as long as we like just to sit and drink and talk about nothing important at all.”
Cole set her cup down carefu
