Spring returned, bringing fresh colours to every corner of the city.
The trees, which until recently had stood bare, began to fill with young leaves, while flowers bloomed across every park.
And the morning air felt warmer than it had for the past few months.
Year after year passed by, yet some things seemed never to change.
One of those things was Sophia's habit of waking up earlier than everyone else in the family.
That morning, just like always, she sat on the back terrace of the mansion, enjoying a cup of warm tea.
The sunlight was just beginning to touch the garden when she heard footsteps she knew better than any other approaching her.
Adrian Blackwood pulled out the chair beside her and sat down without saying a word.
Sophia smiled softly.
"Still unable to sleep a little longer?"
"I am able."
"But you don't want to."
"Exactly."
Sophia laughed quietly.
Some habits truly never changed.
And strangely enough, she loved that about them.
