❄ Camille ❄
Larkhaven stayed on my skin like perfume I couldn’t wash off. Even after I parked outside Sterling Routes and walked into the familiar noise, the clean cold of that town followed me. Bright glass buildings. Calm faces. A travel agency that felt smooth and modern, like it belonged to a future that didn’t include Everford’s storms or my constant bracing. I walked past the reception and caught Tina’s eye immediately.
“Camille!” she chirped. “Where were you yesterday?”
“I had something to take care of,” I replied without stopping. I saw Tina’s lips part, ready to chase, but I didn’t give her the chance. I kept moving until my office door was behind me and the hallway noise dulled. Then I finally let myself breathe. My desk looked the same. Monitor. Sticky notes. Papers were stac
