C89 The Confession

Sebastian's mother stayed an extra day.

Isabella woke to find her in the kitchen, making tea, her silver hair loose around her shoulders. She looked different in the morning light, softer, older, more human.

"Good morning," the woman said. "I hope I didn't startle you."

"I didn't expect you to be here."

"I wanted to talk. Without the crowd." She gestured to the chair across from her. "Sit