Echoes of Three Souls

Chapter 18: A Sanctuary in Bloom

Maeve POV

I barely slept after the date. The moment I lay down, my mind filled with everything from the evening—their gentle voices, soft laughter, and the feel of their lips on mine. Each memory fluttered through me, warm and thrilling. I felt alive as if they'd unlocked some forgotten part of me. But beneath the glow was a flicker of fear: would this magic last? What would happen when they saw me completely? The part of me that felt ordinary, insecure, barely holding it together?

I tried to silence those doubts, reminding myself how kindly they'd responded when I admitted it was my first date. They hadn't judged me or treated it like a strange secret, nor did they seem to expect more from me than I was ready to give. By 4 a.m., after hours of restless tossing and turning, I finally gave up on sleep. The thought of surprising my grandparents with a visit crept in, bringing a familiar comfort. I hadn't seen them in weeks, and being around them felt like wrapping myself in a warm quilt.

Slipping out of bed, I decided to make blueberry muffins—Grandad's favorite. If I showed up empty-handed, I knew he'd tease and pout about it all afternoon. Tugging on my apron over my pajamas, I fed Archie first, watching him weave around my legs, purring impatiently. "Alright, alright, Mr. Prince. Breakfast is served," I teased, chuckling as he devoured his food. True to form, he then flopped right in the middle of the kitchen floor, effectively becoming my furry, opinionated sous chef.

I mixed the batter, folding in the blueberries and sprinkling on the cinnamon-sugar crumb topping that made them extra delicious—my secret touch. While they baked, I threw on a soft, layered outfit: a jean skirt, a white tee, and tall socks. Once I added my green boots and fleece jacket, I felt cozy but cute enough for the day.

Poppy, my stuffed bunny, peeked out from my overnight bag, her well-worn fur bringing a little extra comfort. When the muffins were ready, golden and fragrant, I let them cool before tucking them into a tin. I poured extra food into Archie's bowl, hoping he'd forgive me for staying out overnight.

"You know, you secretly like it when I'm gone," I murmured, scratching his head as he purred. "All the food you want, no one to bug you." I laughed, watching him stretch lazily. "See you later, my chunky boy."

With everything packed, I stepped into the cool morning, my heart light as I headed out, looking forward to a day surrounded by the people I loved most.

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Pulling up to my childhood home felt like a warm hug after a long, exhausting day. Nestled among towering trees, the house stood just as it always had — a beautiful, pale-yellow Victorian with a wraparound porch that seemed to smile with every white-trimmed arch. It had been in my family for nearly a century, each generation carefully preserving its charm and character. Green shutters framed each window, and the entire house seemed to glow under the morning light as if it, too, was happy to see me.

The front garden was wild but lovingly tended, with a winding brick path cutting through clusters of flowers in every color imaginable. Granny's prized roses intertwined with lavender and daisies, filling the air with a soft, calming fragrance that instantly made my shoulders relax. The brick path leading to Grandad's garden. I could feel the tension slipping from my body as I parked, as though the house itself was whispering, "You're safe here."

Unbuckling my seatbelt, I grabbed my bag and stepped out, my feet crunching softly on the gravel drive. I unlatched the white-painted gate, which let out a familiar creak, and made my way up the front steps. The white railing of the porch, lined with potted plants and hanging baskets spilling over with ivy and petunias, was as welcoming as ever. I paused for a moment, just soaking it all in, before pressing the doorbell, not wanting to startle them by letting myself in unannounced.