Days settled into a gentle rhythm after the hall project was finished. The heavy lifting was done and they returned to smaller detailed work that let them move at their own pace. The bond between Elias and Mara had grown tighter and softer much like resin that seals wood and holds it safe through every season. They no longer needed words to understand each other’s movements or needs. There was a quiet warmth now that lingered between them even when they worked apart across the same room.
One afternoon rain began to fall steadily against the tall windows making soft patterns on the glass. Outside the river swelled a little and turned grey under heavy clouds. Inside the shop the air stayed warm and still smelling of fresh shavings and slow drying oil. They were working on a set of chairs me
