Juno awoke to sunlight spilling softly across her quilt, the kind that made everything feel gentle and new. Lupi was still curled beside her, a tiny comma of warmth, but stirred as Juno sat up - stretching, yawning, blinking with sleepy curiosity.
After washing her face, brushing her teeth, and pulling on her favorite soft shirt, Juno padded into the kitchen. The air was thick with the scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and something buttery. Mama stood at the stove, stirring a pot of tart filling with practiced grace.
"You're up early," Mama said, not turning around.
"So are you," Juno replied, grinning as she reached for the kitten food.
Lupi meowed once, tail flicking, and padded over to her bowl. Juno poured herself a small bowl of cereal and sat at the table, watching the morning unfold.
"I'll need your help at the Night Weekend Market," Mama said, glancing over her shoulder. "Also - can you run these tarts to Ms. Soto? She's expecting them."
Juno nodded, already slipping into her pouch to prepare for the delivery. But Mama gently touched her shoulder.
"Lupi can stay with me while you go," she said. "You can pick her up when you come back."
Juno knelt beside Lupi, stroking her soft fur. "You'll stay with Mama, okay? I'll be back soon."
Lupi blinked once, then turned and hopped onto the couch, curling into a patch of sunlight like she'd already decided to nap.
Juno gathered the box of tarts, tied it with twine, and stepped out into the morning. The path to Ms. Soto's was familiar, but today it felt different - like each step was leading her closer to something new.
She glanced at the folded letter in her pocket.
The Canopy Club.
Today was the day.