A Change of Plans

It was now Monday morning, and as planned, Gideon was supposed to pick up Rowan in the afternoon. Since it was a weekday, Celine got up early to tackle some work she had to finish. By the time she wrapped things up, Clara was already awake.

"Mommy..." came a sleepy call from the bedroom.

Their house had three bedrooms. Clara still shared the south-facing room with Celine. Greta slept in the north-