Friday morning arrived with the faint hum of rain against the window. I would've slept in, should've, but the gentle shake of my shoulder and the smell of her shampoo got me up before the alarm could.
"Morning, sleepyhead," Val murmured, her voice still heavy with that soft morning hush that always made her sound like peace in human form. She was already dressed—cream blouse, her hair tied back in that neat way that made her look too professional for this hour. "Dad called. I have to drop by early. Something urgent at the office."
"Urgent," I echoed, voice still heavy with sleep. "You're not even supposed to start till nine."
She grinned, brushing her thumb along my cheek. "Tell that to my dad. He said it's important."
I cracked an eye open, studying her. "Important enough to ruin breakfast?"
She laughed softly. "You'll live, Mr. Tanaka. I'll make it up to you tonight."
"Be safe," I said, and she kissed me once before disappearing out the door.
