Chapter 33 Paper Crowns

• Thursday morning arrived earlier than I wanted it to. Sunlight spilled softly through the curtains, and the faint sounds of birds outside made the room feel impossibly still.
• I quietly tiptoed into Martha’s room, smiling at the sight of her sleeping peacefully. “Martha… wake up, baby,” I whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
• She stirred, blinking sleepily, then yawned. “Mummy… is it today? Is it today?” she asked, her voice already tinged with excitement.