The morning light in the mansion felt softer than usual. Maybe it was the quiet, or maybe it was because Tina was getting her energy again—slowly, carefully, and no longer confined to her room. Andrew was in his usual space drinking his morning coffee. Elijah stood by the breakfast table, arranging the tea set with his usual precision. Steam curled upward, filling the air with a faint floral scent. When he looked up, he saw Tina coming down the staircase, her robe loosely tied, hair tumbling in lazy waves around her face. Neko Neko followed her with tiny, determined steps, tail flicking like a tiny metronome.
"Good morning."
Andrew said softly.
"How's your head?"
"Still attached."
She murmured dryly, rubbing her temple.
"So I'd say functional."
He smiled faintly.
"That's progress."
