"Oh, Faye, you're awake. A bit early this time."
Meeting the concerned gazes of the others, Faye Yardley managed a weak wave. "Don't worry, I'm really fine. I… I think I need to rest for a bit."
Willow Yardley and Lucy White supported her, one on each side, as they helped her into the house and onto the sofa.
The heat from the fireplace washed over her. Faye Yardley soaked in the warmth, feeling cozy and languid.
"Willow, help me upstairs. It's so uncomfortable being this damp and sticky."
"Shouldn't you rest a little longer?"
"Let's go."
After Faye Yardley went upstairs to her room, Lucy White looked at Willow as she came back down. "Willow, do you think I could go take a look in the sea? The surface hasn't started to freeze over yet, so it should be fine, right? I can get Bramble to take me down, and if I can't handle it, he can just toss me back up."
Willow Yardley looked at her calmly. "You can ask Faye yourself later."
