A Monday in the Xuniverse...outside Clinic 12.

A typical Monday in the Xuniverse

The first rays of morning light filtered through the grand windows of Eldermount Ranch, touching every corner with a warm, gentle glow. The day began slowly, as each of the women woke up in their respective rooms, beginning their individual beauty routines with care and precision.

Tammy's Morning Routine: Tammy began by cleansing her flawless face with a gentle, lavender-scented micellar water, patting her skin dry with a silk towel. She then applied a hydrating serum infused with hyaluronic acid, followed by a collagen-rich moisturizer that maintained the supple elasticity of her skin. Next came a thin layer of sunscreen, protecting her complexion from even the faint morning light. She applied a sheer foundation, her hands moving with the precision of a practiced artist, then delicately swept a rose-pink blush over her high cheekbones. Her lips were painted with a soft, nude gloss, enhancing their natural fullness.

Lena and Lenka Kosar's Routine: In the next room, Lena and Lenka Kosar, disciplined as always, kept their routine simple yet meticulous. They used a cold cream to cleanse, followed by a firming toner to prepare their skin for the day. Applying a touch of BB cream for a natural finish, they accentuated their features with a minimal touch of mascara and a bit of rose-colored lip balm. Despite their military background, they each took pride in maintaining their appearance, balancing practicality with a subtle touch of elegance.

Vienna's Routine: Vienna took her time, her motions slow but deliberate as she worked a gentle oil cleanser into her skin. She followed it with a brightening serum and a dewy moisturizer, her focus on maintaining a radiant glow for her pregnant skin. Her hair was combed through and styled into soft, flowing waves. Despite the intimacy of the ranch, she wanted to look polished for the breakfast gathering.

Morning Prayers: After their beauty routines, each of the women took a moment for their own morning prayers. Tammy knelt beside her bed, clasping her hands together and murmuring a quiet prayer for strength and guidance, seeking solace for the weight of her secrets and the challenges ahead. Her lips moved silently, as if sharing her thoughts directly with a higher power.

In the room they shared, Lena and Lenka lit a small candle on the windowsill, joining hands and bowing their heads. They prayed for Shunfen's future, for the strength to guide her through these tumultuous times, and for their own unity and love to endure. Their Czech words filled the room softly, a melodic rhythm that felt ancient and enduring: "Prosíme o sílu a odvahu. Ať naše rodina zůstane pohromadě." ["We ask for strength and courage. May our family remain united."]

Vienna closed her eyes, resting her hands on her belly as she whispered a prayer for the health of her unborn child, for the protection of her loved ones, and for the peace of mind she sought amid the chaos that swirled around them.

A Czech-Style Breakfast: Gathering in the dining room, the guests were greeted by a spread of traditional Czech breakfast foods. The table was adorned with bowls of creamy scrambled eggs mixed with pieces of savory sausage. The eggs were rich and buttery, the sausage cooked to a perfect golden brown. Fresh toast was served on a platter, accompanied by butter and a jar of rose petal jam, its fragrant sweetness a delicate counterpoint to the hearty meal. Glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice sat beside each place setting, the bright citrus scent mingling with the warmth of the breakfast fare.

The air was filled with the quiet clinking of cutlery and soft conversation as they enjoyed their meal. Lena and Lenka savored the familiar taste of the rose petal jam, spreading it carefully over warm toast. Tammy took small, measured bites, smiling softly as she exchanged pleasantries with the others.

As the meal came to an end, the guests began to take their leave, one by one.

The Della Neris: Andrea and Giovanna, Rudy and Isabella...and their sons and daughters, stood first, thanking their hosts with polite nods before heading back to their sleek Chevrolet Express parked outside. Tammy joined them, eager to blend into their day-to-day routine at the dealership. She exchanged a meaningful look with Lena and Lenka before she left, a silent understanding passing between them.