Morning light filtered through the half-drawn curtains of her study. The six-week break Franz had taken finally ended. It had been more than enough for him and Arianne to stabilize their new routines and living arrangements.
Arianne had expected this day would come, and that their schedules would constantly shift. Looking at the shared calendar on her phone, she was greeted by color-coded time blocks, each indicating their commitments—whether work-related or personal.
The colors had settled into a pattern she recognized. The twins' school hours remained fixed; their checkups and therapies appeared in shorter, neutral blocks.
Arianne scrolled once, noting where buffers had been added and where they were missing. Some gaps were intentional. Others were simply left vacant.
The calendar did not explain itself. It only showed what had already been agreed upon. It reflected decisions that no longer required deliberation.
