Emma.
The warmth of Benny’s house wrapped around me the moment I stepped inside.
Was it just the cold? Or did I feel the heat from the fireplace so vividly like every flame was meant for me.
The cozy little kitchen was filled with the scent of cinnamon and fresh coffee, and the familiarity of it all made my heart ache. I had no idea how long it had been since I’d last felt safe enough to breathe, let alone relax, but standing here with Benny, I felt as if, just for a moment, I could let my guard down.
Benny didn’t waste a second, she rushed down to make her something. She was at the stove as she called over her shoulder, “Sit, sit! You look half dead, poor thing.” She quickly poured hot chocolate into a mug and handed it to me, her eyes filled with concern. “You must be freezing or s
