Page 144 of Where Broken Wings Fly

Getting close to people was a luxury I never had before, but I finally feel at home here. We’ve found our place in the world and I’m not afraid to put down some very tentative roots, bottling my fear of it all being ripped away.

After a short walk, we reach the cabin that Rachel’s schoolhouse barn is located behind. The few children of the town are floating inside, and she waves at me from the doorway.

“Okay, have a good day, Ari. Be good.”

“I’m always good!”

I duck down to peck her cheek and release her hand. She quickly sprints off to enter the awaiting barn with the other kids, already laughing and chatting to them. It’s stupid, but my chest tightens with emotion just watching her go.

“I love you!” I shout after her.

She waves at me again and vanishes inside. Smiling to myself, I turn around to find Aalia fussing over Johan in a similar, over-protective manner. When he pushes her hands away, she kisses all over his face until he turns bright red with embarrassment.

“Okay, okay. Go on then.”

“Bye,” he calls happily.

I’m clearly not the only one feeling emotional this morning as she swipes a subtle finger underneath her golden eyes, laughing when she spots me watching her.

“Morning, Willow. Ignore me, I’m being silly.”

“Not at all. How are you?”

“Oh, you know. Bearing up.”

Sweeping in to pinch Amie’s rosy cheeks from her prop on Aalia’s hip, I give her mum a quick squeeze next. We’ve grown close, and I pop around to her cabin regularly for a chat and the obligatory pot of tea.

“You want to come and walk with us?” she offers.

“Thanks, but I need to go and look for something at Lola’s cabin. I’ll catch you later?”

“No fighting with her,” she says sternly. “You are still… ah, getting better? Recovering! If I hear shouting, I’ll have to come and save you.”

“No need.” I brush off her concern. “Things aren’t the same between me and Lola, but I’m working on forgiving her. We’ve been keeping our distance until it’s easier.”

“Family is important, Willow.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Come and find me for a cuppa later.”

Kissing her cheek, I inch backwards. “I will.”

Walking back along the cobbled path that bisects the thick woodland leading to Lola’s cabin, I steel myself to see her. The front garden has been thoroughly pruned to welcome the summer, now full of yellow and pink wildflowers.

Taking a breath for courage, I step inside without bothering to knock. Nobody does around here. It’s a bit of a free for all, especially where Lola’s cabin is concerned. She has an open door policy for the whole town.

“Lola? You in?” I call out.

Voices from inside the kitchen suddenly fall silent, and the door cracks open for Lola to peek out. She blanches when she sees me, her eyes dancing from side to side.

“Poppet, now isn’t a good time. Can you come back later?”

Kicking off my shoes, I point upstairs. “I’ll only be a second.”

“But—”

“It’s kinda important. I won’t disturb you further.”

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