6 AM.
The girl's eyes opened before Isabella entered the room.
Not awareness. Just pattern. Body learning when to wake.
Isabella noticed. Smiled.
"Good morning," she said. Standing in the doorway. "You're anticipating the wake time. Excellent."
The girl sat up. Automatically. Waiting for the next command.
"Bathroom. Shower."
The girl stood. Walked to the bathroom.
Atlas watched from the hallway. Saw the difference. Slight. But there.
Yesterday, she'd needed the command to sit up. Today, she'd done it on her own.
The routine was taking hold.
---
Shower. Same as yesterday.
Isabella undressed her. Guided her under the spray.
But this time, she tested something.
"Wash your hair," Isabella said. Handed her the shampoo bottle.
The girl stood there. Bottle in hand. Staring at it.
