14

Nate

Gran let go of my hand, and the familiar scent of cinnamon and incense welcomed me. Without thinking, I breathed in the scent, allowing my body to feel at home instantly.

This used to be my home, my solace, and my place of comfort. I unintentionally opened my eyes to see that Gran was looking at me with a smile on his face.

“You missed it, huh?” he asked. I shook my head, avoiding Vivian’s eyes as Gran let out a soft chuckle and gave a small grunt.

“Come! Both of you,” he said. I looked at Vivian, stretching out my hand to hold hers. I was almost surprised when she gave me a little run to catch my hand. My body stilled as we made contact, and I tried to swallow the goosebumps that came from the touch.

I turned my attention back to Gran and saw that he had given a fleeting gaze before walking in front of us and leading us upstairs.

“I know my arrival is a bit sudden, but I couldn’t stay one more minute without checking on my grandson and Vivian, my sweet girl,” he said.