Morning arrived too quickly.Sheila barely remembered falling asleep on the couch, yet she woke with a sharp inhale as sunlight filtered weakly through the rain-streaked windows. The storm had passed, but the air still felt heavy, like the world was holding its breath in anticipation of what the day would bring.For a few seconds, she lay still, staring at the ceiling, letting reality settle back into place.Press conference.Carter.Atticus.Her stomach tightened instantly.She pushed herself upright, wincing at the stiffness in her neck and shoulders. The apartment was quiet, but not empty. She could hear faint movement from the kitchen—ceramic against marble, the low hum of a kettle heating.Elena.Sheila rubbed her face with both hands before standing and walking toward the kitchen doorway. Elena stood at the counter, dressed immaculately as always, her dark hair pulled into a sleek knot, her posture straight as she poured hot water into two mugs.“You sleep at all?” Elena asked w
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