ELLA
I closed the door behind me and let my shoulders sag—just enough to look exhausted, just enough to invite concern.
Aunty Willow was already inside, removing her coat with deliberate care, every movement precise. She didn’t rush to me. She never did. That was fine. I knew how to bridge the distance.
I crossed the room and wrapped my arms around her again, pressing my face into her shoulder like I’d been holding myself together by sheer will alone.
“Oh, Aunty Willow,” I said, my voice catching perfectly. “I’m so relieved you’re here.”
Her hand came up, resting between my shoulder blades. Firm. Reassuring. Exactly where I wanted it.
“There, there,” she murmured. “Sit down. You look worn out.”
I obeyed, lowering myself onto the edge of the bed, letting out a shaky breath as if I’d
