Page 136 of Downfall

“You’re up early.” I say.

“I always am.” She replies proudly.

“Come on then. Everyone else is asleep.”

“Even momma?”

My heart warms at that. I don’t know why her calling Rose that affects me so much but it does.

“Yeah they’re all sleepyheads.” I say and she laughs loudly.

We walk into the kitchen and I pour out some coffee before telling the chef to leave us to it. I want to make Lara’s breakfast myself, I want to provide for her not just with my money but with my time, with real effort.

She perches in a chair and watches me drink. “Can I try that?”

I raise an eyebrow. “You won’t like it.”

“Maybe I will.” She says so assuredly I let out a laugh. This girl is so like me.

“Fine then, I’ll make you a bet, if you don’t like it then you have to give me a kiss.”

“And if I like it?” She says grinning.

“Then I have to give you a kiss.”

She laughs. “Fine. Deal daddy.”

I hand her the mug. She sniffs it before looking at me like she’s regretting her life choices.

“It’s hot.” I warn her.

She takes a sip, clearly trying to decide if she likes it and then she pulls a face before she can stop herself. “Yuck.”

I laugh loudly and she puts the mug on the table. “How can you drink that daddy?”

“I like it.” I reply. “And now it’s time to pay up…” I tap my cheek.

She rolls her eyes, getting off her seat and goes on tiptoes, as I bend down, and plants a kiss on my face.

“What is this?” Rose says looking between us.

Lara’s face lights up. “You’re awake.”

“How could I not be with all the noise you two are making.” Rose says grinning.

And then Lara spots her dog. She gasps, crouching down, scooping it up.

“Her name is Bella.” Rose says. “She’s super friendly but you can’t give her anything to eat except her special food or she’ll get sick.”

Lara nods but we can both see she’s too transfixed by the animal to have really taken on what Rose said.

“I always wanted a pet.” Lara says. “They said if I was good I could have one but I wasn’t naughty and they never gave me one anyway.”

Rose lets out a sigh that I can tell is to hide the rush of pain, of guilt too. “Well, now Bella is as much your dog as mine. We can take care of her together if you’d like?”

Lara grins before hugging the dog so tightly I’m afraid she might suffocate it. Rose smiles back, not looking concerned so I guess it’s more durable than it looks.

“Do you want a coffee?” I ask.

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