The night was unnervingly quiet as Sophie tiptoed down the stairs, her boots in hand. The soft glow of Christmas lights reflected faintly on the darkened windows, their warmth in sharp contrast to the cold knot of dread tightening in her chest. She reached the front door, her breath catching as she carefully turned the handle, flinching at every creak.
Once outside, the icy air stung her cheeks, and the crunch of snow under her hurried steps seemed impossibly loud. The streetlights cast long, pale shadows over the neighborhood, and the festive decorations hanging from porches felt like mocking reminders of peace she couldn’t feel.
The park was only a few blocks away, but each step felt heavier than the last. Sophie gripped the snowflake charm in her pocket, its sharp edges grounding her
