Earned Peace

Dante

Winter welcomes us the instant we touch down.

Not gently—but with whetted air that cuts through coats and wakes every sense. Snow dusts the runway like a warning and a welcome all at once. Vittoria's hand slips into mine as we descend the steps, her fingers cold, her smile warm enough to make me forget everything else.

Home.

Now the word feels different. Heavier. Better.

She leans in as the