Chapter 16

Morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the wooden shutters, casting dancing patterns of light and shadow across the floor. Valentina opened her eyes and felt disoriented for a moment before remembering where she was. The mornings here were incredibly peaceful. There was nothing but the whisper of wind through pine trees and the occasional cheerful birdsong. She threw on her jacket and opened the door to a rush of crisp, clean air. Hanging from the eaves above her doorway was a string of wind chimes. They were made from pine cones and nutshells, each piece carefully polished and threaded together with a thin cord. When the breeze caught them, they created a gentle tinkling sound. Chris had quietly hung them there a few days ago. She'd only noticed them when she opened her door that morning. Valentina reached up to touch the chimes lightly, a smile tugging at her lips without her realizing it. Chris' cabin sat just over a small hill, not far from hers. Every morning, she cou