[[ milliways, upstairs ]]

[ "love you. no matter what." ]

Kate wakes, squinting in the half-light of early morning.

Grace is still sleeping beside her, curled on her side and hugging two pink pillows close.

Yawning, Kate closes her eyes again.

And re-opens them fifteen minutes later.

Giving up on sleep, she eases out of bed and grabs a piece of paper and a pen from the desk.


Gracie-Boo —

Just went out for a run, didn't want to wake you. Come by my room if I don't see you first.

— Kate


Placing the note beside Grace on the bed, she slips out of the room and pads down the hall.

Careful not to wake Bill, she trades her pajamas for a pair of sweats and a tank, then fumbles for her running shoes near the dresser.


- - - - -


When she's back an hour later, he's still sleeping.

Pausing by the bed on her way to the shower, she leans down and presses a kiss to his temple.

"Hey, you. I'm back."

(She wonders if he even remembers that she woke him up a few hours ago to tell him about Grace.)