I must've dozed off at my desk, the sketchbook a pillow under my cheek. The soft light of morning filtered through the curtains.
"Mom?" Madison poked her head in the room. "Are you up?"
I blinked awake. "Yeah, honey, just getting started. Go ahead and set the table, I'll whip up some breakfast in a bit."
"What're we having?" She hovered in the doorway. Her hair was pulled back, ready for her day.
"Pancakes sound good?"
"Yes!" She beamed, then paused, her hand on the doorframe. "Are you okay? You seem..."
"I'm fine, just tired. Go on, I'll be out in a minute."
She hesitated, then finally disappeared into the living room. I pushed myself up from the desk, my neck sore from sleeping in an awkward position.
In the bathroom, I peeled off my pajamas and stepped under the hot spray of the shower. The water caressed my skin, washing away the grogginess of sleep and the traces of last night's dreams. My eyes drifted closed as the steam rose, clouding the glass.
