Bound By Moonlight.

er'

'clock approached. It fit wonderfully, indicating that it had been carefully

the house. My stomach rumbled as the scent of fresh

or me, Alex remarked with a warm smil

ith a bowl of salad. "We hope you enjoy eating freshly baked. I thought

I hadn't experienced such affection from someone in such a lo

*

cautious not to give away too much. The air was filled with laughter and warmth as Lily and Alex told their own stories. They talked about ho

e?" At last, Alex asked in

forced a tiny smile and continued, "I just needed a

nod. "Everyone needs

t push or pry. Rather, they regarded me as a member of their househo

but Lily waved me off. "You are our visitor," she em

loud moan. Lily gave him a friendly slap when he r

ng up at the darkening sky, I inhaled deeply as the cool evening breeze car

irst time in what see

standing there with a cup of tea in her hand. She handed

d the warm mug and took it

re, but you are not required to tell us anything. You have a place here for

rd as emotion welled up in my chest. Rather,

e, I wasn't running or worr

ean air of the areas I'd left behind, the aroma of wet earth and fresh pine made its way through the slightly cracked gl

ran my fingers over the fabric. I put them on, brushed my hair back, and went outside, where the cool morning air welcomed m

ed out, his smile warm and natural. "G

ing at the edges of my lips.

'm glad to hear that. I hope you enjoy t

took our seats at the wooden table. Lily asked me to go with her on

ring sound of people calling each other by name, the streets were alive with activity. I had

old woman who was neatly rowing apples and said, "That's Mrs. Hawthorne. There are no sweeter ap

nted' sign in the window. I smiled, "