The first real snow of the season came early, dusting the bare branches along Maple Lane and turning the porch steps white by morning. Elias and I stood at the kitchen window with our coffee, watching the flakes fall. It felt like the town had finally decided to lean into winter, and for the first time in a long while, that didn’t feel like something to brace against.
Amina had sent a message the night before: “Thanksgiving break is in three weeks. I still want to come home. And… I still want Noah to come with me for a few days. I know it might be a lot. But I want him to see the house with snow and meet everyone when it’s not just a quick visit. Is that okay? I can come alone if it’s too much right now.”
Elias read it twice before setting his phone down. He leaned against the counter, s
