Emily's Pov
I unlocked the door and pushed it open, my shoulders aching from a long day at work. The familiar warmth of my apartment hit me instantly, but my eyes caught movement by the doorway—and my heart skipped a beat.
Clara.. Shivering. Rain-soaked. She clutched something to her chest, the damp strands of her hair plastered to her forehead.
"Clara!" I rushed over, relief and concern mixing in my chest. She looked up at me, wide-eyed, her lips trembling slightly. Without a second thought, I took her coat from her and guided her inside, brushing the rain from her shoulders. "You're freezing," I said gently. "Come on, let's get you warm."
I wrapped her in a thick towel, tugging the damp strands of hair back, and handed her a dry robe. "Better?" I asked, brushing my fingers lightly across her shoulders. She nodded, teeth chattering, and I felt that familiar tug of protectiveness. I was only twenty-four, but moments like this made me feel older, like the responsibility for someone else's safety rested squarely on me.
As she settled onto the couch, hugging the robe tightly, I noticed a company card tucked in the folds of her dress. I picked it up, curiosity pricking me. "Where did this come from?" I asked softly. Clara's eyes went down to the book she held. "I… met someone earlier," she murmured. "He gave me a ride home because it was raining so hard. I made a new friend."
I raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at my lips. "A ride home, huh?" I said lightly, placing the card on the table for now. There was no need to press; her tone carried excitement, curiosity, and innocence all at once. I wanted to let her tell me in her own way.
I moved to the kitchen and started preparing dinner. Chopping vegetables, stirring sauce, and humming quietly, I let the rhythm calm my own mind. Clara watched from the couch, peeking at me occasionally with wide, curious eyes. "Want to help set the table?" I asked. She nodded enthusiastically, and soon we were moving plates and cutlery together, laughing softly when she fumbled a fork. The warmth from the kitchen seeped into both of us, chasing away the chill that clung to her from the rain. Dinner done, I helped her get ready for bed—pajamas on, teeth brushed—and finally, I retrieved the card from the table again. "I need to ask… what's this about?"
She glanced at it, then back at me, smiling nervously. "It's nothing scary, I promise! He was… nice. He helped me get out of the rain and drove me a little. And then… I told him about this bookstore I found. It's amazing, Emily! You'd love it."
I sat on the edge of her bed, letting her climb into my arms. "A bookstore, huh?" I murmured, listening as she chattered about warm smells, cozy corners, and soft lights that made everything feel safe.
Her words slowed as her eyelids drooped. I held her close, brushing damp hair from her face, feeling her steady breathing. "You're safe," I whispered, more to myself than to her. She drifted to sleep in my arms, murmuring about the bookstore and little notes tucked between books. I stayed there, quiet and watchful, my heart full of protective love and a gentle promise that nothing would hurt her while she was with me.
Outside, the rain had stopped. The world glistened quietly, but inside, my apartment held warmth, safety, and a sense of home—just as it should.