Forty Candles

Sylvie woke to sunlight streaming through curtains. December morning. Cold outside. Warm inside.

She stretched. Looked at the clock. Eight AM. Late for her. Usually up at five. Training with Falko. Studying financials. Planning.

But today felt different. Quieter.

She got up. Showered. Dressed. Went downstairs.

The house was silent. Strange. Usually Sadie was at the kitchen table studying. Evan mak