The unwritten scars
A Step To
g everything that could make her feel something too deep, too raw. It was easier to
routine, Evie couldn't shake the
than she wanted to admit. There was something about the way he made h
her for so long. Even though Noah had been nothing but kind, patient, and suppo
t anyone get
he more time passed, the more she
hen, preparing dinner for her
sense of dread creeping up her spine. But
His dark jeans, a simple gray T-
, as if he wasn't sur
and she forced herse
he asked, a slight he
erself that she didn't need anyone, that being alone was enough. But
ld. "It's coming together," he said, nodding toward the small touches of personality she'd added to the place-phot
quietly, trying not to show how
ead, he took a step toward her, h
swer. She wasn't sure if she was okay
the word felt too small
ense, but without pressure. Like he was wai
She needed to do something with her hands to keep them busy, to kee
oah spoke again. "I've been think
ng at the mention of his name. "Yo
Evie. I know it's hard. And I know it's terrifying to
e. "I don't know how to let anyone in again." The words were out b
owing smile that only made her chest tighten more. "You don't have to do it all at
his voice, the way he was looking at her like he genuinely cared, like
fraid she might break. She didn't want to break in front
ed out, his hand brushing against hers gently. The conta
his voice barely above a whisper. "But don't s
of them. She wasn't used to being wanted. She wasn't used to being
elf believe that maybe-just mayb
a long time, Evie felt t