Ignoring the cold that frosted the edges of my bedroom window, I leapt from my bed and glanced eastward at Taylor’s Ridge. I no longer had a reason to search the horizon. Sean had been back for two days. Leila entered my bedroom with her usual morning liveliness. “Good morning,” she said, hugging my waist from behind. “Your body is warm,” I said, absorbing her energy. “Have you been sitting by the fire?” “No,” she answered. “Mother sent me to the well. I ran the whole way—there and back.” She held her hand to my cheek. “Here, feel my hands.” “They’re freezing!” I shied my face away from Leila’s icy fingers. “Hey!” I shrieked as she pressed her hands against my neck. I shoved her away and dashed toward the open doorway. “Wait, come back.” Before I could escape, Leila’s hands clasp around my exposed ankles and pulled me down. Now, facing the floor, I kicked my feet in an attempt to free myself. “Let me go,” I said, laughing as I grabbed a loose pillow.
