She knew his career had changed and that his relationship with Priscilla was strained.

Beyond that, she rarely asked.

“Sometimes,” she said.

“But I don’t build my mornings around him anymore.”

Lena smiled.

After breakfast, Iris stepped onto the balcony to inspect the tomatoes.

A breeze moved the leaves, and the water beyond the buildings glittered in the sun.

She touched the faint mark on her cheek, then let her hand fall.