Cybele stood there, silhouette framed by the hall light, arms crossed, expression. unreadable. You stumbled forward, and for a flicker, she reached out, caught you by the elbows. She guided you inside with a light touch. The living room was dim the couch bore the crease of her earlier solitude. Without a word, she pulled a blanket from the armrest and draped it around you. You hugged it close, her hand moved to your hair, brushing it back as gently as she ever let herself be. “I suppose,” she said after a long pause, voice thick, “you still know how to find me.” She settled beside you, one arm around your shoulders, the other smoothing the blanket. Her arm tightened around you, and for the first time, you felt her guard drop completely. “I’ve missed you,” You felt her exhale, steady and warm against your skin.