Pearl POV
As I walked down the narrow path lined with wildflowers, my heart started to beat faster. Cecil’s little cottage came into view, the ivy still curling up the side of the stone walls, just like I remembered. A wave of warmth rushed over me. It had been weeks but it felt like years.
I raised my hand and knocked twice on the wooden door.
There was a pause. Then, the door flung open with a loud creak.
“Perin—” Cecil’s voice caught halfway through the name as her eyes scanned my face. Then, she gasped.
“Pearl!” she squealed, throwing her arms around me before I could say a word.
I stumbled back a little from the force of her hug, laughing breathlessly. “Careful, you’ll knock me over.”
“You i***t!” she scolded, pulling back to look at me. Her eyes were already glossy with tears.
