The garden was bathed in soft sunlight, casting a gentle warmth over the colorful blooms of roses that swayed with the breeze.
It was a scene painted in tranquility, the kind that I used to believe could wash away the darkest memories.
Today, I had hoped for that peace.
I settled myself on the picnic blanket, a book in hand, a small basket of snacks arranged beside me.
The tea I had poured was still steaming, and I took a careful sip, letting the warmth soothe my throat.
The events of yesterday weighed heavily on my mind, but I was determined to push them aside, at least for now.
Today was meant for peace, a chance to reset and let the sun's warmth replace the chilling memories.
I focused on my book, hoping to escape into a different world, even if only for a while.
But then, just as I had started to sink into the words, I caught a shadow approaching from the corner of my eye.
Before I even looked up, I knew who it was.
