Readiness changed the way time arrived.
Aaliyah noticed it in the mornings first, how they no longer felt like openings she needed to step through correctly. They simply appeared, whole and unhurried, asking nothing beyond attention.
She woke to light filtering through the curtains, the room quiet but alive. Rowan slept beside her, one hand curled loosely near Aaliyah's wrist. The warmth was familiar, grounding.
Aaliyah did not move right away.
She let the day reach her.
Later, as they moved through the kitchen together, Rowan poured coffee while Aaliyah sliced fruit, their motions overlapping without coordination.
"You don't look like you're waiting for anything," Rowan said casually.
Aaliyah considered that. "I don't think I am."
Rowan smiled. "That's new."
"Yes," Aaliyah agreed. "And strangely spacious."
The morning passed gently.
