Page 9 of Goose's Wren

Hayden gives me a small smile from behind the counter.“She’s not wrong, you know.”

I glance up at her.

“You do look like you could use something to eat.”

“I’m fine,” I say too quickly, then sigh.“I’m just not hungry.”

She doesn’t push, and I appreciate it.

But I barely get another sip in before the door bangs open again and Sunshine bursts into the room like her name is a full-blown personality.

Same long silver-streaked hair, flowing peasant top, and enough bracelets on her wrist to sound like wind chimes when she walks.

“Oh my stars,” she exclaims, eyes lighting up the moment she sees me.“Wren!Baby, look at you!”

Before I can react, I’m being pulled into a warm, tight hug that smells like cinnamon and garden herbs.Her arms are strong and familiar, like she’s trying to squeeze all the years apart into a single moment.

“I told Bella you’d come back one day,” she says, pulling back just enough to hold my face in her hands.Her eyes, sharp despite the soft laugh lines around them, search my face and linger just a second too long near my cheek.

But like Bella, she says nothing about the bruise.Instead, her hands drop to my shoulders and she makes a soft tsking sound.

“You’re too skinny,” she declares.“You always were, but now you’re really too thin.When was the last time someone fed you properly?Don’t even answer that.Sit down.Sit, sit.I’ve got warm blueberry scones, and I made a fresh tomato basil quiche this morning.”

“I’m not—” I try to protest, but she waves me off.

“Nope.Not hearing it.You were always polite, but you didn’t eat enough even then.And I know for a fact your sister never let you have the first bite of anything if she could help it.”

I blink, caught off guard by the mention of Sparrow.I’ve tried my best over the years to forget she even exists.But Sunshine just pats my shoulder, herding me toward a booth like I’m still seventeen and sneaking in after school with a backpack full of library books.

Hayden quirks a grin and leans toward me.“You’re about to eat.Just accept your fate.”

I do.

Because honestly...It's been a while since someone looked at me like I mattered without wanting something in return.

And I don’t think I can remember the last time someone fed me because they wanted to.Not because I had to earn it, not because they were expecting a favor or sex or silence afterward.

I slide into the booth and wrap my hands around the iced coffee like it’s a lifeline.The tears try to rise, but I blink them back fast.

Sunshine brings over a plate, muttering about getting more butter and jam before disappearing again in a flurry of clinking bracelets.

Bella follows with a steaming mug.“Just in case you change your mind after breakfast,” she says, setting it down.“Hazelnut.With cream.Your favorite, right?”

I stare at it, something in my chest cracking wide open.

She remembered.

And for the first time in a long time, I feel just a little bit less invisible.

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