The next day dawned bright and clear, a perfect day for a drive into the city. Blake woke early, his mind already racing with the logistics of the day ahead. He showered quickly, the hot water doing little to ease the tension in his shoulders.
As he dressed, he could hear Celena stirring in her room. A moment later, she appeared in the doorway, her stuffed rabbit tucked under one arm. "Is it time to go, Daddy?" she asked, her voice still thick with sleep.
Blake smiled, crossing the room to scoop her up. "Not quite yet, little star. We need to have breakfast first, and then we'll get you dressed for our trip. How does that sound?"
Celena nodded enthusiastically, any trace of sleepiness vanishing at the prospect of their trip. As they moved through their morning routine – breakfast, getting dressed, packing a bag for the day – Blake found himself grateful for the distraction of Celena's excitement. It kept his mind from dwelling too much on the mysterious reason for their journey.
