The Forbidden Weekend
The cabin stood at the edge of the lake, its wooden frame glowing warm under the lanterns strung along the porch. Rain had finally given way to a pale, clear night, the air cool and sharp with pine. Melissa sighed contentedly as she set down the bags, smiling in a way that made Jason’s chest ache.
“It feels like we’re kids again,” she said, running her fingers along the rustic beams. “Dad used to bring us here every summer. Remember, Rachel?”
Rachel froze in the doorway, her eyes darting to her sister. Memories flickered in her expression—campfires, laughter, shared secrets under the stars. She swallowed hard, forcing a smile. “Yeah. I remember.”
Melissa laughed, walking into the kitchen to unpack groceries. “Back then, you used to sneak cookies at midnight, and
