Some days had passed since Marian's confession, and the village of Elmsworth was finally learning how to breathe again. The rain from the night before had left the streets washed clean, the cobblestones slick and gleaming under the gentle warmth of morning light. The scent of damp earth mingled with fresh bread and rosemary drifting from nearby kitchens. Somewhere, a sparrow trilled, and the quiet hum of ordinary life filled the air once more.
Inside Hana's shop, peace had a sound,a faint clink of jars, the soft brushing of fabric, Mira's laughter breaking through every now and again. Hana stood behind the counter, her fingertips skimming across newly polished wood as she listened to the rhythm of her friend's movements.
"It feels lighter, doesn't it?" she said, her voice calm.
Mira arranged bundles of dried lavender by the window, nodding. "Lighter, quieter… I think the whole village exhaled."
"Peace feels strange after so much noise," Hana murmured.
"Strange," Mira agreed, "but good. I'll take strange over miserable any day."
They shared a small smile. For so long, the walls of Elmsworth had echoed with gossip and mistrust. Now, the air was soft again, like the world itself was healing.
Mira leaned on the counter. "You've been smiling more lately, too. Could it be a certain someone?"
Hana tried to hide her grin, turning slightly. "Mira"
"Don't even deny it. You've been humming again. That only happens when you're happy."
Before Hana could respond, the faint jingle of the shop door broke the air.
"Morning, you two."
Ethan stepped in, carrying a small cloth sack over his shoulder, a half smile touching his face. He was dressed simply, rolled sleeves, hair slightly tousled from the morning breeze.
Hana's smile deepened instantly. "Good morning, Ethan."
"Good morning," Mira said slyly, drawing out the words. "Don't forget the apples this time!"
Ethan laughed. "I was hoping you'd forget about that."
"Forget? You you knew that I was making pie that day and you said you will cover the apples!"
"I'll make it up to you." Ethan awkwardly smiled
"I had to rush to town last minute."
Mira snorted. "Making up for it would be actually remembering this time."
"Noted," Ethan replied, a grin tugging at his lips.
Hana's quiet laugh filled the space like sunlight breaking through cloud. "You two sound like siblings," she said fondly.
"Don't curse me," Mira said, pretending to shudder.
"Hey!" Ethan protested, but his grin gave him away.
"I've got a few errands left, but I'll see you later, all right?" Ethan said before leaving
"We'll be here," Hana said softly.
When the door closed behind him, Mira nudged Hana's shoulder. "He's never just running errands. That man's running on love."
Hana flushed and turned away, pretending to sort herbs. "You talk too much."
"And you blush too easily," Mira countered, laughing as she went back to arranging her jars.
Ethan's errands took him across Elmsworth's square, where the world seemed brighter than it had in months. People greeted him openly now, faces that once turned away now smiled with ease.
"Morning, Ethan!" a baker called, tossing him a small loaf of bread. "Fresh from the oven. No charge!"
"Thank you!" Ethan replied, chuckling as he caught it.
Children darted by, laughing. One of them waved. "Mister Ethan, you still the forest hero?"
He grinned. "Only on weekends."
As he neared the bakery's edge, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Ethan Lowe, if it isn't the man himself."
He turned and saw Joel, his old friend from the depot, standing by the bakery's doorway with flour dust on his sleeves.
"Joel," Ethan said with surprise and warmth. "Didn't expect to see you here this early."
"Didn't expect to find you up and about looking this good, either," Joel teased. "You've got your color back. Forest air suits you."
Ethan laughed softly. "It does, actually. It gave me a lot to think about."
They began walking together toward the butcher's stall further down the way, the morning crowd buzzing around them.
Joel glanced over. "Listen, the depot's been different lately. The manager himself told me to find you. Said he wants you back ,immediate rehire. Your position's waiting if you want it."
Ethan paused a moment, thoughtful. "He said that directly?"
"Directly," Joel confirmed. "Full apology, full pay. They realized they lost a good man."
Ethan smiled faintly. "I appreciate it, I really do. But… my heart's not at the depot anymore."
Joel tilted his head. "Then where is it?"
Ethan smiled softly, thinking of Hana. "Somewhere that feels like home."
Joel chuckled knowingly. "Ah, I see. Well, you always were a fool for peace."
"Better than being a fool for noise," Ethan replied, both men laughing as they shook hands before parting ways.
By late morning, Ethan returned from his errands, a basket of apples in hand. After dropping them off at Hana's shop, he made his way toward Mrs. Weller's lodge.
The door creaked as he stepped inside. The familiar smell of cedar and tea greeted him. Mrs. Weller sat on her porch, snapping green beans into a wooden bowl.
"Mr. Lowe," she said without looking up, "heard the truth came out. Knew there was something off about that woman from the start."
Ethan smiled faintly. "You were one of the few who believed in me."
"I didn't need rumors to tell me who you are," she said simply. "You paid your rent on time and never once raised your voice. That's enough character for me."
Ethan rubbed the back of his neck. "About that rent… I was going to settle what's left."
Mrs. Weller waved a dismissive hand. "Already taken care of. Your brother came by earlier and paid it off."
"He did?"
"Said something about 'tea and peace of mind' whatever that means. I think it's brother talk for something that I don't understand."
Ethan chuckled softly. "That makes us two."
Mrs. Weller studied him for a long moment. "You know, you look lighter. Happier. That girl, Hana, she must be good for you."
He smiled. "She's… everything good I didn't know I needed."
Mrs. Weller grinned and returned to her beans. "Then don't lose her."
"I don't intend to."
Ethan tipped his head in thanks and stepped back outside.
Cole and Theo were sitting on the stone steps outside the lodge when he emerged. Cole was carving a small wooden bird, and Theo's wide eyes followed every curl of wood that fell.
"You didn't have to stay," Ethan said, stopping beside them.
Cole grinned. "Maybe not. But I wanted to. Someone has to make sure you don't get dragged into another forest mystery."
Ethan smirked. "You've been hanging around too long if you're starting to sound like Mrs. Weller."
Cole chuckled and passed the wooden bird to Theo. "You know, little brother, I didn't just come because I was worried. I came because I believe you deserve more than running from ghosts. You've earned peace."
Ethan's voice softened. "And maybe I finally found it."
Theo held up the bird. "It's flying, Mr Ethan!"
Ethan smiled, ruffling his hair. "It is, Theo, it is."
Cole leaned back on his elbows, looking toward Hana's shop in the distance. "Well fly where your heart's settled, little birdie."
Ethan looked the same way, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Yeah. I think I will."
By early evening, golden light spilled across the rooftops as Ethan made his way to Hana's shop. The air smelled of rain waiting to fall, and the quiet chatter of villagers filled the streets. He passed the baker closing his shutters, nodded at Mrs. Weller sweeping her porch, and turned onto the cobblestone lane lined with glowing lamps.
Through the shop window, Hana sat arranging small pouches of tea leaves. Mira was helping her, laughing softly, but the moment Ethan stepped in, she grinned knowingly.
"Well," Mira said, "my work here is done."
"Mira....." Hana started, but the girl only winked.
"Have fun, you two. I've got, uh, errands." And with that, she was gone.
Ethan chuckled as the door closed behind her. "Subtle as always."
Hana smiled faintly. "She's not as sneaky as she thinks."
The soft glow of candles lit the space between them. They sat across from each other, steaming cups of tea between their hands.
"Marian's been helping in the school garden," Hana said quietly.
"She's trying," Ethan replied. "We all are."
Silence settled like a warm blanket. The room smelled of chamomile and rosewood, and the air felt alive in the calmest way.
Hana smiled faintly. "You've practically been here every day."
"Maybe I like the company," Ethan teased.
"Well," she said slyly, "if you're going to keep showing up like that, you might as well start paying rent… or move in."
He pretended to think. "Move in? Hmm, I'd have to endure the terrible company."
She laughed softly. "Terrible, huh?"
He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "The worst."
Her cheeks warmed. Their laughter melted into silence, and before either could think twice, Ethan leaned forward and kissed her. It was soft, unhurried, like two pieces finally fitting where they belonged.
The door creaked.
"Oh my," Mira's voice gasped.
"I knew it!" Avery whispered beside her, giggling.
Hana pulled back quickly, covering her face. Ethan groaned softly.
Mira crossed her arms. "Well, the rumors might start again, but this time, they'll be sweet ones."
Avery clapped. "You two look adorable!"
"Mira, Avery,...out!" Hana said, laughing through her blush.
They both giggled their way out the door just as the first drops of rain began to fall.
Later that night, the rain came heavy and cold. The world outside blurred into rhythm, raindrops against windows, thunder grumbling in the distance. Inside, the two sat close, sharing quiet conversation over the fading light of a single lamp.
"You should stay," Hana said softly. "It's late. And you'll get soaked if you go now."
The rain had started again, heavier this time, drumming against the roof in steady, insistent beats. Ethan lingered by the door for a moment, hesitating as the chill seeped in from the wet streets.
"See" Hana's fingers brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It's raining cats and dogs out there. And… I don't know, it's more fun in here than outside."
Ethan raised a brow. "Stay?"
Hana smirked, her voice dropping into a teasing lilt. "Well…, yes. It gets a little lonely here sometimes, plus It won't be your first time, the pajamas are waiting for you." She laughs
"Lonely, huh?" Ethan said,
"Yes," she said firmly, though her cheeks warmed slightly. "So… technically, you'd have to be here. Because… I don't want to be alone tonight."
Ethan tilted his head, smiling softly. "Is that because of the rain, or....?"
Hana laughed lightly, the sound delicate, a little breathless. "Definitely the thunder. Yes. Absolutely. I'm terrified. Very dramatic. Totally scared. But… Mr. Lowe," she added, voice dipping shyly,
Ethan agreed and he stepped toward the small wooden door that led to the guest room, but Hana placed a gentle hand on his arm.
"Not there," she said, tilting her head up slightly. "Tonight… you're staying here with me. Same room, Ethan."
Ethan froze for a heartbeat, then let out a low laugh, shaking his head. "You've got a way with subtlety, don't you?"
Hana's blush deepened, but she didn't move away. "I prefer 'practicality,'" she said softly. "Thunder… loud things… you know. It scares me."
Ethan's expression softened as he moved closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Then I'll be your thunder guard."
She leaned in, a little awkwardly, but with trust. "Promise not to snore?"
"I can try," he teased, lowering himself onto the bed beside her carefully, giving her the space she needed while still close enough to hold her hand.
The storm outside rattled the windows, the occasional crack of lightning making Hana flinch lightly. Ethan instinctively wrapped an arm around her, pulling her gently into his side. She rested her head against his chest, the rhythm of his heartbeat grounding her.
"I'm… inlove.... with you
. Ethan ," Hana admitted, her voice muffled against his shirt.
"I'm inlove with you too Hana ," Ethan said softly, brushing his fingers along her arm. "You're safe here with me. And… I'm not going anywhere."
She exhaled softly, curling slightly closer. "You're… very persuasive, Mr. Lowe."
He chuckled, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "Call it a talent."
Rain poured outside, thunder rolled, and for once, the storm didn't feel frightening. Inside the room, it was warm, safe, and wrapped in the quiet pulse of trust and budding love. Hana's breathing slowed, even as the storm continued, and eventually, she drifted into sleep, her fingers entwined with Ethan's.
He watched her for a long moment, a small smile on his lips, and whispered softly, "Same room… same peace… we'll figure out the rest later."
The storm raged, but inside, the world was still, tender, and full of promise.