<.Back to a few days ago, at Elsie and Nathaniel's shared apartment.>
The twenty-second day of December dawned crisp and bright. After the streaks of violet, amber and amethyst faded on the horizon, the winter morning sky stretched in a pale silver wash.
At nine, the little Lorianne was still curled under the blanket, surrounded by her plushie friends. Her chubby right cheek was pressed over her favorite bunny plushie as her soft, blond locks were splayed all over the pillow.
In the hallway outside, Elsie and Nathaniel slowly approached Lorianne's bedroom. They were still dressed in nightwear. The snow fell gently outside the windows.
"She's still asleep?" Elsie glanced at the closed door while bundling her long hair into a loose bun. A trace of sleepiness was still evident on her face.
"She's too excited last night," Nathaniel's voice was tinged with laughter as he reached for the door handle, "She went to bed later than usual. I'll wake her up."
