CHAPTER NINETY SIX – NEW DAY, NEW ROUTINE

The pale light of dawn filtered through the muslin curtains, rousing Scarlett from her fitful slumber. Blinking the remnants of yet another dreamless night from her eyes, she pushed herself upright, the thin mattress creaking beneath her weight. Her gaze immediately fell upon the worn photograph propped on the nightstand, the edges softened and curled with age. Henry's warm smile beckoned to her from the faded image, a poignant reminder of everything she had lost...and everything she was still fighting to regain. "Morning, Henry," she murmured, her voice still husky with sleep as she traced the outline of his face with a calloused fingertip. "Looks like it's going to be another beautiful day." She settled back against the pillows, cradling the frame against her chest as she gathered her thoughts. The morning routine had become a ritual of sorts, a chance to collect herself before diving headlong into the unrelenting pace of farm life. "The south pasture needs reseeding today," she