Sunlight poured through the windshield as we drove. The sky was clear now, no clouds, no snow. The wind had slowed to a gentle breeze. Everything felt lighter. Kim was safe. Carrie was handled. Tom was out of the picture. For the first time all day, my shoulders relaxed.
I didn't even realize I was smiling until Cora turned toward me.
"W-what?" she asked. "Why are you smiling like that? Is it my face? Do I have something on my face?"
I smiled again. "Nope. You're perfect, Cora."
Her ears turned red instantly. "Oh… heh-heh. Thanks."
We kept driving, the engine humming steady beneath us.
After a minute of comfortable silence, Cora spoke up, a little hesitant. "Do you listen to much music when you drive?"
"Depends on the day," I said. "Today feels like a music day."
She nodded. "Have you heard Glass Static by Moonline Echo?"
I glanced at her. "Can't say I have."
