The streets of Maple Hollow had grown quiet, the soft glow of streetlamps reflecting off damp leaves that clung to the sidewalks. Inside Hannah's apartment, the space felt warm and inviting, the fading light of the day giving everything a golden softness.
Emma sat on the couch, blanket draped around her shoulders, sketchbook resting on her lap though her attention was mostly on Hannah, who moved through the room tidily, humming a soft tune. The air smelled faintly of baked bread and vanilla, lingering from the café and a candle flickering on the table.
"You always know how to make a place feel like home," Emma said quietly, her voice warm but tinged with awe.
Hannah paused, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. "I think it's easier when someone makes it feel alive," she replied, lowering herself onto the couch beside Emma. Their shoulders brushed, fingers grazing lightly, the quiet intimacy between them unspoken but full of meaning.
Emma leaned slightly closer. "It's the little things, isn't it? The quiet evenings, the walks, the… you."
Hannah's eyes softened, and she reached for Emma's hand, holding it lightly. "The little things are the big things," she murmured.
They stayed close, talking softly about their week, sharing small laughs, and letting the moments stretch, comfortable and steady. Outside, the night deepened, but inside, the warmth between them remained — a gentle, certain presence that needed no words, just time, closeness, and understanding.
When Emma finally stood to leave, they lingered at the door, hands still entwined. "See you tomorrow?" Hannah asked softly.
"Of course," Emma replied with a smile. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."
Hannah watched her go, the quiet glow of the room around her feeling even warmer now, filled with the promise of many more ordinary evenings made extraordinary simply by sharing them together.