elentlessly pelting against the windshield, blurring her vision. She hadn't realized how drained she'd been, how much she craved even the simplest comforts, like a hot meal and the lu

r something more primal-the feeling of being alo

orah closed her eyes for just a moment, letting herself drift with the music, the hum of the engine, and the rhythm of the rain. She didn't even notice the figure at first-a young woman walking

nced in the rearview mirror and saw the figure of the girl growing smaller as she passed by, but something inside her pushed her to stop. She didn't know why. It was silly, really-she was so close to the bed that was calling her name, the bed that promised rest and warmth. But th

she could do. She glanced at the passenger seat, her fingers curling around the handle of the knife she'd left there. She'd been keeping it nearby for protection-it wasn't that she thought she'd need it, bu

didn't care. She had to ask. "Uh, hi. Can I give you a lift somewhere?" Her voice sounded almost too bright, too forced, as if

rded, as though she'd been asked that question a thousa

to reassure her. "I'm just headed there, passin

understand. I can give you an umbrella instead?" she added, her voice a little lighter, though she wasn't sure what she expected to

leaving wet streaks on the seat. Norah couldn't help but chuckle as the girl settled in

slip away. "Good to know. I prefer back roads with less traffic when I do

didn't meet on the back roads then," she said, her voice warm wi

k to the road. She couldn't help but feel a little more at ease. Something about

Norah's with an almost grateful intensity. "Most people don't s

the car with a warmth that made her relax just a little more. "I guess I'm not most people," she sa

an, my brother's friend. He had to pick up something from the mill, and I went along for company. So, anyway, we're at the mill, and he

riend then?" Norah ask

her knows. But it's fine, I wasn't planning on staying at the mill anyway. I just thought it would be nice to have someone around while I waited." She paused, her eyes wandering to th

ic nod. "Yeah, I get that. Pe

mfortable as the car sped down the road. "It's just annoying. But hey

thought. "Could de

n the wet pavement filling the air. It wasn't much, but for the moment, it felt like a small piece of peace in a world