Morning came soft and bright through the tall windows. Olivia woke to the smell of coffee and honey pancakes. Alex sat on the arm of the couch with a plate balanced in one hand and a book in the other.
“Hungry?" he asked.
“Yes," she said, surprised by it. “Too much."
“That's allowed," he said, and passed her a fork. “Dr. Chen will bark if you don't eat."
“She barks kindly," Olivia said, and took a bite. “Mmm."
“Numbers?"
“Two," she said. “If I don't twist."
“Then we won't."
They ate in easy silence. The square warmed below them; a florist dragged buckets to the curb; a boy in a red cap chased a pigeon with more hope than skill. The whole thing felt ordinary in a way that felt holy.
Olivia sipped coffee. “After the papers, we go north?"
“Straight after," Alex said. “Lyle will meet
