"Okay," Kiana whispered, brushing her hand down Liend's back as she gently eased him onto the bed.
"Sleep now, baby." She smiled, pulling the sheet over him, tucking him in with quiet care.
"We've got a long day tomorrow," she said, standing and stepping toward the door. Her hand wrapped around the handle, but before leaving, she looked back—smiling, eyes glinting.
"Just you… and Mommy," she added with a wink.
Then she stepped out, pulling the door shut behind her with a soft click. The smile faded a little—as the door closed.
"It should be done by now…" Kiana muttered, as she made her way downstairs, her bare feet light on the wood.
She glanced toward the clock on the wall—3:00 AM.
Her phone was already lit up, vibrating silently on the side table. She picked it up, sliding a finger across the screen.
"Hello…" came a tired voice on the other end—low, groggy, not particularly motivated.
