Chapter 67

• The morning sun, a gentle caress on their faces, woke them slowly. There was no frantic rush, no jarring alarm clock, just the soft chirping of birds and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. Cleo stretched, her limbs languid and relaxed, a far cry from the tense rigidity she had carried for so long. She smiled, a genuine, unburdened smile that reached her eyes, a smile that reflected the peace that had settled into her soul. Rowan, his arm still draped protectively around her, stirred beside her, his eyes half-closed, a peaceful expression gracing his features. The quiet intimacy of the moment, the simple comfort of each other's presence, was a luxury they had never truly allowed themselves before.
• They spent the morning tending to their garden, the dew-kissed leaves cool and refreshing against their fingertips. The tomatoes, plump and red, were almost ready for picking, a testament to their diligent work and a promise of delicious meals to come. Cleo hummed a tuneless melody as she plucked a ripe strawberry, its sweetness exploding on her tongue, a simple pleasure that brought a wave of unexpected happiness. Rowan watched her, his heart swelling with a quiet contentment. He had never seen her this relaxed, this genuinely happy. The transformation in her was as profound as the change in their lives, a change reflected in the vibrant blooms surrounding them.
• Later, they walked hand-in-hand to the nearby village, a charming cluster of stone cottages nestled amongst rolling hills. The villagers, initially wary of the newcomers, had slowly warmed to them, their kindness and gentle demeanor winning over their hearts. They shared smiles and friendly greetings, a stark contrast to the coldness and suspicion they had encountered in their previous life. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery, its scent a comforting reminder of simple pleasures. They bought a loaf, its crust still warm, and shared it with a group of children playing in the village square, their laughter echoing in the sun-drenched air.