The sun began to set, so I hurried to bake more cakes and clean up after myself. The second batch was slightly improved but I still had a long way to go. I brewed tea while I waited for Ash, and kept the fire strong. He would be home soon. Two days had passed; this was the second night. I waited, then tidied more, and waited. It was getting late. The night air was too cold to leave the door ajar, so I had to keep it closed. The tea grew cold in the pot. I huddled on my blanket, next to Ash’s empty chair.
Where was he? I wanted to sit on the porch and wait for him, but having the door open would only make the cabin cold, and nothing attracted trouble like sitting alone in the dark. So I sat inside. Distracting myself, I arranged the table and set out plate, cup, and spoon, ready to dine. I
