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