The morning was lovely, painted in soft hues of dawn that made everything feel magical.
Giulietta stretched like the charming heroine of a romantic cartoon, her movements graceful and serene.
Sliding off her bed, she knelt on the wooden floor, hands clasped together in prayer. Her voice was quiet but earnest.
"Dear Lord, good morning. Hear my heart and heal my soul. Keep me warm and protect me from harm and from evil men that may hurt my spirit. Thank You, Lord. Amen."
As she rose, her lips curved into a gentle hum. She smoothed the creases on her bed with practiced care, her parrot, Bowy, chirping along from its little cage.
Its vibrant orange, red, and green feathers shimmered like jewels in the morning light, adding to the cheerfulness of the day.
Slipping out of her nightgown, Giulietta pulled on a worn checkered dress with delicate lace collars and an apron.
With a skip in her step, she headed downstairs, sunlight spilling into her small, cozy home.
Out in her little yard, she greeted her chickens as she gathered fresh eggs.
"Good morning, Abby. Good morning, Baby. Good morning, Caby," she chirped, her voice as light as the breeze.
Next, she stopped by her single cow, Shelly. Patting the cow affectionately, she asked, "How are you today, Shelly? I need a little milk, please." With that, she filled her pail, humming a familiar tune all the while.
Back inside, Giulietta carefully stored her morning harvest in the kitchen before stepping outside again to tend to her herb garden.
The sun was already hot, and she gently watered each plant, murmuring soft encouragement as though the herbs could hear her.
The rest of the morning passed peacefully. She took a long, relaxing bath, letting the cool water wash over her freckled cheeks and thick, wavy brown hair.
Feeling refreshed, she prepared a simple but hearty Italian breakfast, savoring every bite.
When it was time to start her day, Giulietta chose a flowing orange sundress, its cheerful hue matching her mood.
She paired it with a wide-brimmed hat and comfortable sandals, her tote bag swinging on her shoulder as she locked up her home.
Hopping onto her bicycle, she rode down the cobblestone streets to her flower shop, Leta.
The building was charming, a soft wood brown with a green roof, adorned with an explosion of flowers in every color imaginable.
Inside, it was like stepping into a secret garden.
Shelves and tables overflowed with blooms, roses, lilies, daisies, and more, all carefully arranged and tended.
Giulietta's hands moved expertly as she prepared an order: a bouquet of one hundred royal blue roses.
She had spent hours dyeing each rose to perfection and couldn't wait to see her customer's reaction.
As she tied the last ribbon, the bell above the door jingled. She straightened, her smile warm and inviting.
"Welcome to Leta Flowers! How can I help you today?"
Her smile faltered, just for a moment. Something about the customer felt…off.
Their presence carried a strange energy, one that prickled at the edges of her otherwise perfect morning.
But Giulietta pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the beauty of her shop and the joy her flowers could bring.