Fingers hovered near the doorknob as dawn light poured in through frosted glass, illuminating the hallway in pale gold hues. Eli shifted on the other side of her, his tiny fingers clutching the strap of his school backpack. She inhaled a flavor of last night's wakefulness and morning dew and opened the door. The latch closed silently in the quiet.
Within, their house was for an instant hollow a quiet cup waiting for the day's stir. Dust motes drifted on rays of light, spinning about in the air as if saluting the fresh morning. Mira set her purse on the console table and hesitated a moment to let the security of safety seep into her marrow. She regarded Eli.
"Time to eat breakfast, Buddy?" she inquired, tone soft.".
Eli's dark curls bounced as he grinned. "Pancakes, Mommy?"
"Pancakes, i
