Through the cleared windows we could see sunlight catching on the rooftops.

My phone showed that the main streets were being plowed.

It was time to go, although leaving the house felt harder than anything I’d done since walking up the porch steps.

Mason followed me into the hallway.

“Are you coming back?”

The question landed exactly where Lauren had warned me it would.

I didn’t want to make a promise that required her consent, and I didn’t want Mason to interpret hesitation as rejection.

“I’d like to,” I said.