To Renna Rose Lancaster, Aadam Callahan was her first taste of magic-the boy who made her world feel livelier, brighter, like anything was possible. Together they crafted a bond that felt unbreakable-a universe where dreams were shared under starlit...
"Distance means so little when someone means so much."
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The house felt empty without Daddy, but Mama and I had already planned our day. We decided to make strawberry cupcakes-something simple yet sweet enough to make an impression on our new neighbors. It felt important to make a good start here, in this new place.
It had only been two days, but it already felt like a world away. Our old life, packed into boxes, seemed far behind, though it hadn't been that long. Everything here was so different, quieter and slower.
I watched Mama carefully place the fresh cupcakes into a little box, handwriting a small card to tuck inside, "Hello! We're your new neighbors. The Lancaster family: Ryan, Ava, and Renna."
I smiled watching her write the names. 'The Lancaster family.'
We walked over to the house across the street, the sun warm but with a slight chill in the breeze.
I found myself fiddling with my sleeve as we stood outside the door, trying not to let my nerves get the best of me. Mama rang the bell, and we waited, a few seconds that felt like minutes.
The door creaked open, revealing a woman who must be in her fifties. She had this wide, welcoming smile that immediately put me a little at ease.
"Hello there!" she greeted, her Scottish accent thick but friendly. "I'm Fiona, but everyone calls me Fio. You must be the new folks across the way."
Mama beamed and offered the box of cupcakes, her voice warm. "Yes, we've just moved in a couple of days ago. I'm Ava, and this is my daughter, Renna. We thought we'd bring something sweet over as a way of introducing ourselves."
Fiona's eyes sparkled as she accepted the box. "Oh, you shouldn't have! But I won't say no to cupcakes. Please, come inside!" She stepped back, waving us in with a dramatic sweep of her arm.
"I've been dying to meet the new folks who moved into that house of yours. Been keeping an eye out ever since the old couple left. That place is practically a landmark!"
She stepped aside to let us in, and I caught the warmth in her voice, the kind of person who could make you feel at ease without even trying.
Her house was cozy and full of character, with tartan blankets draped over furniture and family photos covering the walls.
"Sit down, sit down!" Fio chirped, leading us into a bright sitting room where the light filtered through lace curtains, casting soft patterns across the floor. "Let me get you both something. Tea? Or maybe coffee?"
"Tea sounds lovely," Mama replied, settling into one of the floral armchairs.
I sat quietly beside her, glancing around, taking in the small details-how the light hit a particular photograph, how the space felt familiar, like I'd seen it before in some cozy movie scene. It was such a stark contrast to our home.
