Ellie takes the spiral staircase stairs two at a time and when she reaches the top, she kicks off her boots, motioning for me to do the same. She opens the door, stepping inside and pausing. For a second, I think something’s wrong and then I realize she’s taking a deep breath of home. Just as quickly as I recognize it though she’s off again, striding through the tiny mudroom-storage-laundry-room and into the kitchen.
I don’t remember the last time I was in the upstairs barn apartment, but I don’t remember it being quite like this. The kitchen smells like vanilla and coffee. There’s a vase of wildflowers on the counter. Wren’s at the stove, face screwed up with concentration. Dark hair swept into a braid. She looks so much like Ellie it weirds me out. Like the world needs two Ellie Lenoxes
