Iris adjusted the strap of her bag over her shoulder as she stepped into the dining area, already half-aware she was running slightly behind schedule.
The faint clink of a spoon against ceramic reached her before she fully took in the room.
Ava was seated at the table, eating from a bowl, her posture relaxed in that familiar way that made it seem like nothing ever weighed on her for too long. Her hair was pulled back loosely, a few strands framing her face as she stirred between bites.
“Morning,” Ava said without looking up.
Iris paused briefly. “Morning.”
She moved toward the kitchen counter to get a glass of water, her movements steady, but her attention briefly lingered on Ava’s presence.
There was a short silence.
Then—
“How was work yesterday?”
Iris stopped mid-reach.
For a
