the snow melts (9)

If anything, it only reinforces the sense of inevitability that’s been gnawing at her all day. The snow melts. The seasons change. Life moves forward, whether she’s ready or not. By evening, the temperature has dropped again, and the meltwater that had pooled in the low spots has frozen over, forming thin, glassy sheets of ice.

Olivia sits by the fireplace, a blanket draped over her shoulders, and watches as the flames flicker and dance. Noah is in the kitchen, humming softly to himself as he washes the dinner dishes.

The sound is soothing, familiar, and she closes her eyes for a moment, letting it wash over her. She’s tired in a way that goes beyond physical exhaustion, though she’s not sure how to put it into words.