After a while, Mara disappeared toward the back of the cottage.
"I am heading into town later," she called. "If you need anything, write it down."
"I was planning on going myself."
The older woman reappeared a heartbeat later, a slight incredulous frown on her face. "Voluntarily?"
"Is that so shocking?"
"A little."
Elka rolled her eyes but she was still smiling. She had become somewhat of a recluse in the past few weeks, only stepping out of her cottage to tend to her garden or take a relaxing walk along the seashore. Mara had done her best to keep the cottage fully stocked with food and supplies at all times.
Mara chuckled at her reaction before disappearing again, leaving Elka to her thoughts.
For a while, Elka remained where she was, occasionally glancing towards the sound of the crashing waves in the distance.
