I went into the kitchen at noon on the dot.

Bright midday sunlight streamed through the window over the ceramic sink.

I opened the fridge and took out a glass pitcher of filtered water.

I filled the heavy copper kettle with the cold water and put it on the stove.

Vanessa drifted into the kitchen a minute later.

She propped her elbows comfortably on the edge of the granite island.

She watched me lay out fresh lemon slices on a little plate.