Kathy unlocked the front door, the familiar click echoing softly as she entered with Sarah following close behind. The quiet of the house wrapped around them, gentle and welcoming. She slipped off her shoes, lining them neatly by the door, and motioned for Sarah to do the same. With a small, reassuring smile, Kathy made her way to the kitchen, setting a stack of papers onto the countertop. Sunlight filtered through the window, pooling on the floor as she busied herself filling the kettle, her movements purposeful yet unhurried. The gentle promise of tea hung in the air, a prelude to comfort and conversation as she invited Sarah to make herself at home.
“I never got your name?”
“It’s Sarah, Miss,”
“Beta Sarah, I like that,”
Kathy made them some tea and brought it over to the dining room
