The next morning arrived quietly, soft light filtering through the windows. Zinnia woke up early, stretching and blinking at the ceiling. It wasn't her usual habit, but something about the day felt different. She got out of bed, pulled on a sweater, and headed for the door.
To her surprise, Samuel stepped out of his room at the same moment. They met in the hallway, both clearly not expecting to see each other so early. Zinnia's eyebrows shot up, and Samuel paused mid-step, equally startled.
"Good morning," Zinnia greeted him with a faint smile, trying to shake off the awkwardness.
Samuel nodded, his usual composed expression softening just a little. "Morning."
They stood there for a moment in the quiet house. Without another word, they both made their way toward the kitchen. The silence wasn't tense, but there was something hanging in the air—an unspoken acknowledgment that they were still figuring out whatever this was between them.
