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Zephyra's POV

“What are you doing this weekend?” I tuck my phone between my cheek and shoulder as I drop the tea bag into my cup and pour in the hot water. It’s Friday night, and with Lirael having plans, I decided to leave the office at a normal hour, relax at home, and give Mom a call. Considering how distracted I’ve been with work and Lirael over the last two weeks, we haven’t spoken as often as usual.

“A book I’ve had on hold for weeks at the library has finally come in, so I’m going to pick it up tomorrow morning and spend all weekend devouring it,” Mom says.

I laugh. “Sounds perfect.”

She sighs happily. “Doesn’t it? One day, when I have my dream house, I’m going to make sure it has its very own library. One with a ladder to reach the top shelves.”

“And a window seat?”

“Of course. A window seat is essential for any home library. Oh, and it needs to be a bay window looking out over a beautiful garden.”

This is a game my mom and I play. It started when I was young and one of