The early morning fog rolled gently over Forks, curling along the streets like a soft, silver blanket. Inside Honey & Hearth, the warmth of the ovens mingled with the scent of fresh bread and brewing coffee. Renee moved deliberately among the tables, her posture relaxed but attentive, a serene anchor for the quiet bustle of the café.
These days, motherhood and café life blended seamlessly, though Renee had learned to delegate tasks carefully—Mae handled the morning prep, while a trusted local helped with cleaning and deliveries. This allowed Renee to spend her attention where it mattered most: her daughter.
Helen Belle Swan gurgled happily in a small playpen near the counter, reaching for a colorful wooden toy. Her tiny hands waved in the air as she discovered the rhythm of her own movements.
"Look at you," Renee murmured, smiling softly. "Crawling already. Soon you'll be running circles around me."
Helen babbled in response, a series of bright, musical syllables that made Renee laugh quietly. It was an ordinary moment on the surface—but Renee felt the weight of knowledge behind it. She had seen what the future held, and every milestone, every sound, every smile was a precious layer in the protective web she was weaving.
Charlie, kneeling nearby to offer Helen a soft toy, kept his movements calm, his voice steady as he returned to reading aloud from a children's book. He had learned quickly how to be present without rushing, how to soothe without smothering, and how to let Renee lead.
[CHILD DEVELOPMENT MONITOR: ACTIVE]
[Emotional & Physical Health: OPTIMIZED]
She recorded Helen's growth: first crawl, first babble, first intentional grasp of objects. Cognitive markers, social cues, motor skills—all carefully noted with foresight only she could possess. Each entry subtly adjusted her daily routines and the café's schedule to ensure maximum safety and developmental enrichment.
"Charlie," Renee said softly, handing him a clean cloth, "would you mind holding her while I prep the cinnamon rolls? She's starting to scoot a little faster than before."
Charlie accepted with a calm nod, lifting Helen securely against his chest. She giggled, stretching out her tiny arms toward him. He smiled down at her, a mixture of awe and quiet devotion in his eyes, and Renee allowed herself a moment to watch, grateful for this balance of family and work.
Later, she would access the System Shop.
[Cognitive Tracking Algorithms (Psych) — 3,500 SC
Effect: Allows subtle pattern recognition in Helen's behavior, early warning for developmental or emotional risks, permanently integrated into Renee's cognition.]
Renee's fingers hovered briefly before confirming the purchase. It was an investment in her child's life, a shield against risks both mundane and extraordinary.
The morning continued, the café alive with quiet conversation, the aroma of fresh pastries wrapping the small space like a warm blanket. Helen's tiny feet tapped as she explored the edge of the playpen, and Renee felt a steady pulse of calm assurance.
This was the rhythm she would build her life around: work, nurture, watch, protect. Every small decision, every meal, every careful observation was a brick in the foundation of safety she had vowed to create for her daughter—and for Forks itself.
Renee paused for a moment, watching Helen as she crawlsd, and allowed herself a quiet smile. The town might be quiet, the world might hold threats unseen—but here, in this small café filled with warmth and laughter, they were safe. And that was everything.
[MISSIONS COMPLETE: Establish Early Safety Networks]
[REWARD: +6,000 SC]