The Warmth of Company

The morning light was soft when Lyra stirred, her body heavy with fatigue and memory. Leo had fallen asleep again sometime after Kaelen left, still curled beside her, his hand tucked near hers—as if afraid she might vanish if he let go.

A soft knock stirred him awake. Moments later, Ms. Mabel stepped into the room with a gentle smile, a bag of fresh clothes in one hand and a warm, homemade ca