Arabella

I woke to the soft scent of butter and coffee before I even opened my eyes. My body ached in that satisfying way that meant I had slept deeply, like I hadn’t in months.

The sheets felt softer, the pillow cradled my cheek perfectly, it was chill and smelled like flowers. And for the first time in forever, my mind wasn’t racing the second I woke up.

It was quiet. There were no crippling nightmares in my head, the fear was replaced by a warm, fuzzy feeling. I felt safe, I felt happy.

I opened my eyes to the glow of early morning sunlight seeping through the curtains. The...