Sunlight spilled softly through the curtains, casting warm patterns across Hannah's apartment. The air carried the faint scent of morning coffee, and the quiet hum of Maple Hollow waking up seeped through the open window.
Hannah stretched and yawned, turning to find Emma already perched at the kitchen table, sketchbook open but more often than not her eyes lifted to watch Hannah move. Her warm smile greeted Hannah like the first light of day.
"Morning," Hannah said, voice still thick with sleep.
"Morning," Emma replied, holding out a steaming mug. "I brought coffee. The real kind, not just instant."
Hannah took it gratefully, letting the warmth seep into her hands. "You spoil me," she murmured, sitting down across from her.
Emma shrugged with a grin. "I'm allowed. Besides, you make life easy to enjoy."
They sipped in comfortable silence for a few moments, letting the soft light and quiet of the morning settle around them. The world outside moved slowly, but inside, the pace felt just right.
Emma finally spoke. "I love mornings like this. No rush, no plans, just… us."
Hannah reached across the table, brushing her fingers lightly against Emma's. "Yeah. Feels like the whole day hasn't started yet, and we get to decide how it begins."
Emma smiled, letting her hand rest over Hannah's. "Then I say we make it a good one."
Hannah squeezed gently, a soft laugh escaping her. "I can't imagine a better plan."
The sunlight grew warmer, spilling across the walls, and for a moment, everything outside seemed to pause. Inside, the quiet certainty of their connection filled the apartment, a gentle reminder that whatever the day brought, they would face it together — steady, calm, and full of quiet joy.