✦ The Hearth
[EXCERPT] NO. 0001 There are places that make the world feel… quieter. This is one of them.
The Hearth was quieter today.
Marienne didn’t say anything when you walked in.
No jokes. No dramatic entrance.
Just a glance—
and she already knew.
Her eyes flickered over you.
Not searching. Not questioning.
Just… understanding.
And somehow,
that made it easier to breathe.
She turned softly, grabbing a small bag of pastries.
“You know what?” she said gently. “No charge today.”
You looked up—your eyes meeting hers.
“Hush,” she said, just as softly. “Payment’s not needed.”
She stepped closer.
Held out her hand.
“Dance with me.”
You hesitated.
“You wouldn’t deny me my cure, would you?”
She smiled—soft, almost playful.
A smile slowly found its way onto your face.
“…Thanks, Marienne.”
“Anytime, sweetheart.”
- E1
