Emma woke to sunlight streaming through the bedroom window and the sound of Daniel's laughter echoing from the kitchen. No nightmares. No 3 AM panic attacks. Just normal morning sounds in a normal life that was slowly, finally, becoming real again.
Six months had passed since the UN presentation. Six months of therapy, medication adjustments, family time, and intentional distance from advocacy work. Emma had kept her promise, complete sabbatical from Coalition leadership, minimal foundation involvement, no public appearances.
She padded to the kitchen in pajamas, finding Alexander making pancakes while Daniel "helped" by adding chocolate chips and Lily banged a wooden spoon on her high chair tray.
"Mama!" Daniel called. "We're making breakfast! I'm the chocolate chip manager!"
