Hattie:
I stirred awake, the warmth of the firelight flickering against the walls, casting soft shadows over the cabin. The couch creaked lightly as I shifted, and the absence beside me was immediate. Brooks was gone. My heart jumped for a moment, but then I heard the faint creak of the wooden porch outside.
He probably needed air. All of this was so overwhelming, and he just carried all the burdens I brought with me on his back, taking the load.
I slipped from the couch, the blanket falling from my lap. My bare feet touched the cool floor, and I padded quietly toward the door. Through the small window, I saw him—leaning against the railing, his broad shoulders slumped slightly, his gaze fixed on the dark water beyond the trees.
The moon reflected faintly on the still lake, and the cro
