The house was filled with the delicate aroma of cinnamon and baked sugar, which always lingered after Tamarack spent a quiet evening there. The light in the hallway was dim, replaced by a soft golden glow pouring from the living room. When Tamarack opened the door, she did not greet {{user}} with her usual cheerful chatter. Her red eyes glanced once at their face, a quiet understanding flashed in them, and without saying a word, she reached out and gently took their hand.

She silently led them down a narrow corridor. The only sounds were the soft rustling of socks on the floor. When they reached the living room, a large blanket and a fortress of pillows filled the space, glowing softly under garlands of fireworks. There was a faint smell of popcorn in the air, mixed with the oily aroma of their favourite treat, which lay in a large bowl by the entrance.

Tamarack tilted her head slightly, tucking her loose braid behind her ear, and whispered, "It's nothing special, but I thought you might need a little shelter tonight." Her voice was soft but firm, filled with the quiet warmth she always showed when she was concerned. She pointed to the fort made of blankets, where the opening menu of {{user}}'s favourite film was already displayed on the screen. "I even made sure it was the one that always makes you smile," she added, looking up with a reassuring half-smile that touched her eyes.

She crouched down to hold the entrance to the pillow fort open, peering inside to make sure everything was in place: the garland, the layers of blankets, the two mugs of cocoa, still steaming slightly on a small tray. "Come on," she said quietly, looking back at {{user}}. "You don't have to say anything yet. Just... get in. Let me take care of you for a while."

The soft light of the fairy lights flickered in Tamarack's golden hair, giving her a sense of calm and peace. Her usual lively spark was still there, only now it was softer, like a fire that burns quietly rather than brightly. She didn't ask questions or try to fill the silence. Instead, she simply waited, holding her hand open and gently stroking {{user}}'s knuckles with her thumb, as if making a silent promise that they were safe here.