Chapter 17: Salt and Pepper

Chapter 17: Salt and Pepper The morning sun streamed through the thin curtains, casting a golden glow across the small room. Noelle stirred, blinking against the light as she slowly sat up. For a moment, she forgot where she was, but as her eyes adjusted, the reality of her newfound freedom settled in. She was here. She was safe. And she had to find a way to survive. After a quick shower, she dressed in the simplest outfit she had—a plain blouse and jeans. It wasn't anything remarkable, but she needed to be practical. Tugging her dark hair into a loose ponytail, she grabbed her small purse and stepped out of the room, locking it behind her. Downstairs, the innkeeper, who had introduced herself as Mrs. Ellis the night before, was wiping down the counter when she noticed Noelle approaching. "Good morning, dear. Slept well?" the older woman asked with a kind smile. "Yes, thank you," Noelle replied politely. Mrs. Ellis studied her for a moment before nodding toward the door. "Heading out?"