Christmas morning was done, but the feeling lingered, like snow hanging in the air.
Evelyn woke up slowly, with the winter light coming through the guest room curtains. She just stayed still for a bit, listening to the house. Dishes clinking downstairs, Noah talking low, and Sophie's laugh coming up from below.
Normal sounds, but they meant more now.
She sat up, rubbed her eyes, and saw her stuff on the dresser, not all unpacked. Sweaters folded. Her scarf on the chair. It made her feel a bit excited and nervous at the same time.
She got dressed quickly and went downstairs.
The kitchen was busy already. Noah was at the stove, cooking something that smelled like cinnamon. Sophie was on a stool, watching like she was in charge, and Liam was at the table, making something with tape and b
