It was Saturday - a weekend day free from school routines
- and normally Caesar would have knocked on her door at 5:00 AM
for their morning exercise routine,
but he hadn't today.
He knew her menstrual cycle had started yesterday
and hence didn't wake her up early in the morning.
Usually, she'd wake up around 7:00 AM even on weekends,
but tired from last night's emotional turmoil,
she had slept in till 9:00 AM -
her body curled up in a tight ball under the blankets
as if still protecting her heart from the vulnerable feelings.
Just then, a soft, gentle knock at her door broke the silence -
three light taps that seemed out of character
for Caesar's usual firm manner of announcing his presence.
"Ivanna," Caesar's deep voice was brief and low,
lacking its usual commanding tone,
but still firm enough to be recognizable -
his stern face was likely on the other side of the door.
"Breakfast is ready downstairs."
Ivanna's heart racing, she slowly stirred
