The scent of garlic and butter filled the kitchen, mingling with the sweet aroma of sun-dried tomatoes and toasted bread. A pot of pasta simmered gently on the stove, and Sofia, barefoot and wrapped in a thick cardigan, stirred the sauce with practiced ease.
Sunlight poured through the wide cabin windows, scattering golden beams across the rustic wood floor. Outside, the lake glimmered under the early afternoon light, framed by towering pines and a sky so blue it looked unreal.
Laughter drifted from the dining area where Anne was setting plates and Elise swayed to soft music playing from her phone.
"Are you sure he won't come up here?" Anne called out.
"He won't," Sofia answered too quickly. "He doesn't even know where we are."
At least... she hoped he didn't.
She ladled the creamy sauce over the pasta, added a handful of basil, and was just about to call the girls over—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Three deliberate taps against the wood. Unhurried. Heavy.
