#Chapter 202: New Normal

Agnes “Your eyes are drooping, kiddo.” “Are not!” Thea insisted, even as her eyelids fluttered shut for a moment as she said that. “I’m just… blinking.” I snorted and shut the picture book I was reading. “Those are some awfully long blinks, Thea. Your new room will still be here when you wake up in the morning.” I winced slightly, trying not to picture flames licking up the curtains. “Promise.” Thea sighed and nuzzled down into her blankets. “Alright…” Elijah, who’d been sitting on the other side of the bed, tucked her in and leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead. “Time for sleep now, princess. It’s been a big day.” “The best day,” Thea mumbled with a wide yawn as she finally allowed her eyes to shut and stay shut. “The best birthday ever.” I tucked the blankets more snugly around her, making sure her favorite stuffed animal—the pink pig with our recorded message—was within easy reach. Then I bent down to whisper in her ear. “Sweet