SERAPHINA’S POV
The first moments back in my apartment were…quiet. Almost shockingly so.
I glanced at the scattered grocery bags I’d hastily thrown inside before rushing off in the ambulance—there was a tub of ice cream in there that I knew was a goner.
It was hard to believe I was still in the same day that had promised to be peaceful and restful.
But at least now, I was free of the chaos. No judgements or accusations or pain.
Just me. Just the sound of the rain pattering faintly against the window, the scent of the lingering storm mingling with the faint warmth of home.
Ethan’s presence in the car lingered in my chest like a ghost I wasn’t sure I wanted to exorcise.
The ride home still confused me. He hadn’t lectured me. He hadn’t tried to twist my words or corner me. He’d just…believed me.
For the first time in what felt like forever, my brother and I had shared a conflict-free moment together.
