The morning sun filtered gently through the trees, casting a golden haze over the retreat’s outdoor dining area. Steam curled from mugs of coffee and tea, rising like dreams in the crisp air. The long wooden table was scattered with plates of sliced fruit, scrambled eggs, and fresh pastries. The final breakfast. The last morning.
Katherine sat beside Kingsley, her hands wrapped around a mug of chamomile tea. Carolina was across from her, leaning slightly into Devon, who was stealing berries from her plate with quiet mischief. The four of them looked rested, but behind their soft smiles was something deeper: a shared awareness that the cocoon they’d been living in was about to dissolve.
“Can you believe today’s the last day?” Carolina said softly, glancing around the clearing as if trying
