Aurora touched the spot of her cheek Tim kissed before leaving, and her heart trembled like she was seventeen again, and developing feelings for him for the first time.
She stirred, her eyelids fluttering open to soft light pouring through purple curtains. The faint scent of vanilla and old books drifted in the air.
It was Seraphina's scent. For a second, she didn't move, afraid that if she did, reality would crash in too quickly.
But then she smiled.
Not the kind of smile she gave people in meetings or interviews. This one was softer, private. The kind she hadn't worn in years.
She sat up in Seraphina's bed, her hands trailing over the blanket. The house was quiet. A peaceful hush silence loud enough to remind her of the morning long before everything fell apart.
She said a quiet quick prayer, kissed Seraphina's sleepy head, and looked around. The love in the room amazed her.
Her bare feet touched the fur rug, and her steps led her through the hallway like muscle memory.
