Not Even A Little

“I can’t believe you’re actually leaving,” Axel sighed.

He put his arm around Bell’s shoulder and hugged her closely. “I’m going to miss you.”

Bell smiled and turned to give him a full hug. She had stayed in Winter for more than two months after the end of the war. Initially, she planned to stay only until Axel woke, but then she needed to hand off her patients to other doctors and wrap up her entire life in Winter.

Galen was also busy in Summer, which made it easier for her to put off the move. But after just over two months, it was finally happening. Of course, she would miss her home and family, but she longed to be with him.

“I’m going to miss you too, big brother,” she whispered. Then, pulling away, she looked up at him with a genuine and happy smile.

Axel touched her cheek.

“It’s good to see you like this,” he said. “Happy, hopeful. Not a trace of fear.”

“It’s nice to feel like this,” she said. “I’ve never in my life felt more sure of anything.”