The second week of February arrived with a sudden warm spell that melted most of the snow on Maple Lane and left the ground muddy and soft. Elias and I had spent the days before Amina’s visit in quiet preparation — not frantic cleaning, but the kind of steady work that comes from wanting her to feel welcome without pressure. We stocked the fridge with things she liked, put fresh sheets on her bed, and left the porch swing cushions out even though it was still cold at night.
She had texted the night before: “Train gets in around noon tomorrow. I’m coming alone this time. I just want a quiet weekend. Is that still okay?”
Elias had answered immediately: “Always okay. We’re looking forward to seeing you.”
On the morning of the tenth, we drove to the train station together. Neither of us tal
