Morning

The alarm clock buzzed softly, but Evelyn was already awake. Years of routine had trained her to rise with the first hint of morning. She blinked at the ceiling, listening to the hum of the refrigerator down the hall and the faint chirping of birds outside. The house was still wrapped in the last moments of sleep before the day began.

With a quiet sigh, she pushed back the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet meeting the cool wooden floor. She stretched briefly, rolling her shoulders before slipping into her worn house slippers.

Down the hallway, she stopped in front of a door—the only one always kept slightly ajar. She knocked softly.

"Leo," she called in a gentle voice. No response.

Pushing the door open, she stepped inside. The room was small but neat, the walls painted a soft gray-blue. A desk sat by the window, covered in neatly stacked books and a single ceramic mug that still held yesterday's tea. The bed, tucked against the opposite wall, had a lump beneath the covers—completely still, save for the slow, steady rise and fall of breathing.

Evelyn smiled to herself and walked over. Sitting on the edge of the mattress, she reached out and carefully pulled back the blanket just enough to reveal a head of straight, ash-brown hair. It fell in a perfect bowl cut, the fringe covering his face entirely.

"Time to wake up, love," she murmured, her hand resting lightly on his back. He was warm beneath the blankets, curled in on himself like a small animal avoiding the light.

Leo didn't move.

She rubbed slow circles between his shoulder blades, feeling the way his body tensed slightly under her touch. He was awake—he was always awake when she came in—but he never rushed to rise.

"School today," she reminded him softly.

He had taken off yesterday to celibrate his 18th birthday at home.

He had always been physically smaller than others his age. Many said that he went to her as she was also quite lean and soft looking.

A small shift. His fingers curled into the edge of the blanket, gripping it just a little tighter.

Evelyn exhaled through her nose. She knew better than to push too hard. Instead, she smoothed down his hair and waited. After a few moments, the blankets moved ever so slightly, his grip loosening just a bit. That was his way of saying he'd get up soon.

"Washroom, then breakfast," she told him, brushing her hand over his back once more before standing.

Leo hesitated, but after a moment, he slowly sat up, his movements quiet and careful. His long bangs remained in place, obscuring his face. Without a word, he slipped out of bed, his feet making barely a sound against the floor.

Evelyn stepped aside, watching as he shuffled past her and disappeared into the washroom down the hall. She waited for the soft click of the lock before heading to her own room to get ready.

Evelyn moved quickly, her routine well-practiced. She slipped into a simple navy-blue blouse and dark slacks, brushing out her shoulder-length hair in a few efficient strokes before tying it back into a loose bun. A touch of concealer under her eyes, a swipe of mascara—enough to look presentable for the office without much fuss.

By the time she stepped into the kitchen, the coffee machine was already humming, filling the air with its rich, familiar scent. She poured herself a cup and took a slow sip, savoring the warmth before turning her attention to breakfast.

First, she checked—Leo was still in the washroom. Good.

She moved quickly, pulling ingredients from the fridge. A slice of toast went into the toaster, a pot of water heated for tea, and she cracked an egg into the pan, cooking it just the way he liked—soft, with the yolk slightly runny. A few slices of apple on the side, a drizzle of honey in his tea. Simple, but familiar. Comforting.

By the time she set the plate on the table, she heard the quiet sound of a door unlocking.

Leo emerged, his hair still damp from where he'd splashed water over his face. He wore a loose, long-sleeved sweater despite the warmth of the morning, his posture slightly hunched as he made his way toward the table.

Evelyn didn't say anything—she just placed his tea in front of him and gave his shoulder a brief, gentle squeeze before sitting down with her own coffee.

Leo picked up his fork and started eating without a word.

The quiet between them wasn't uncomfortable. It never was.

Evelyn took another sip of her coffee, watching him from the corner of her eye. His movements were careful, deliberate, as if making too much noise would disturb the stillness of the morning. He never rushed, never scraped his fork against the plate, never slouched or swung his legs under the table like other kids his age. Instead, he simply existed—soft and quiet, like a breeze passing through an open window.

"You slept okay?" she asked gently.

Leo paused, then gave a small nod before taking another bite of toast.

Evelyn smiled a little. Some mornings, that was all she needed.

Outside, the sun had fully risen, casting a golden light across the kitchen floor. The day had begun, as it always did.

fter breakfast, Leo slipped quietly back into his room, while Evelyn cleared the table and put away the dishes. The clinking of plates and running water filled the kitchen as she moved through the motions of her morning routine.

By the time she dried her hands and glanced toward the hallway, Leo had reappeared, dressed neatly in his school uniform—an oversized sweater layered over a crisp white shirt and dark slacks. His bag was slung over his shoulder, his bangs still covering his eyes. He didn't say anything, but he stood by the door, waiting.

Evelyn grabbed her purse and keys, giving him a small nod before they stepped out of the house together.

The school bus was already parked at the curb, its engine humming. Without hesitation, Leo climbed the steps and disappeared inside. Evelyn watched until the bus pulled away before making her way toward her own stop. Within minutes, she boarded the city bus, pressing herself against the window as the vehicle rumbled through the streets toward downtown.

When she stepped off, she found herself in front of a gleaming skyscraper, its glass façade reflecting the morning light. The sidewalk was bustling with professionals in suits, their movements brisk and purposeful. Near the entrance, a small entourage had gathered, speaking in hushed tones. Something was happening.

Not wanting to get caught in the crowd, Evelyn quietly veered toward the side entrance, slipping into the building unnoticed. She made her way to the elevators, waiting for the familiar ding of the doors opening.

A sudden slap on her back made her jolt.

"Morning, sunshine!" A bright, cheerful voice rang out.

Evelyn turned to see Lena, her only real friend in the office. With long, silky hair and a round, smiling face, she looked effortlessly put together—as she always did, even at this early hour.

"Lena," Evelyn sighed. "How do you have this much energy in the morning?"

Lena grinned. "Simple. I'm built differently."

Evelyn shook her head, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. "You're impossible."

"Well, what I'm about to tell you is going to wake you right up," Lena said, leaning in conspiratorially.

Before Evelyn could react, Lena grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her down slightly, lowering her voice to a whisper.

"The chairman is coming today."

Evelyn blinked. "Really?"

She immediately understood the reason for the group of people outside. Their chairman almost never visited the office in person. His presence here meant something important was happening—but whatever it was, it had nothing to do with her. She was just another employee, and people at her level weren't concerned with corporate giants.

The elevator dinged open, and they stepped inside, the conversation drifting into silence as they ascended to their floor.

Meanwhile, outside, a convoy of sleek black cars pulled up to the building.

The office manager, who had been waiting by the entrance, quickly stepped forward. As the door of the most luxurious car swung open, he bowed deeply.

"Welcome, sir."