The days that followed Jaegar's return passed like a gentle balm over wounds that had festered too long in solitude.
Diana's small house, which had stood silent and melancholy through the months of separation, seemed to exhale with relief as laughter and conversation once again filled its rooms.
The very walls appeared to brighten as though the warmth of reunion had chased away shadows that no amount of light could dispel.
It was on the morning of the seventh day that Megan O'Sallivvan came calling, as had been her habit throughout the long months of Diana's grief.
The brunette neighbor had appointed herself as guardian angel to the heartbroken woman, arriving each morning with fresh bread, warm soup, and the determined cheerfulness of one who refuses to let a friend sink into despair.
