Miranda dipped her hands into the soapy water, slowly scrubbing away at the grit and food that stuck to the dishes. It was a soothing activity, washing dishes. The warm water seeped into her hands, making them warm to the touch (she always seemed to have cold hands). It reminded her of afternoons and evenings spent with her mother, always washing up after they’d finished baking or cooking in the kitchen. It was within the kitchen that Miranda always found her comfort, a smile easier to come when she surrounded herself with baking equipment and pots and pans. The language of recipes was an easy one to her and she was happy to share it with her family.
It wasn’t easy, she thought, uprooting themselves to a whole new place. There was still some bad energy in the air, bad blood between members of certain clans that made it hard to know whether your neighbor was friend or foe. Evan had tried hard to make sure everyone was included within the community, but his word could only do so much to sway those who held fast to their beliefs.
Drying her hands, placing the last pan into the drainer, Miranda left the kitchen, stepping easily into the living room. Slowly but surely, this place was becoming more and more like home. It just needed a little extra work and love to make this the place that Miranda had once dreamed her home might look like when she was a girl.
The sound of a car outside made her head turn, a light smile appearing when she saw Vincent getting out of the car.
He bent, picking up the paper, reading over the headlines from the afternoon news as Miranda left her post by the window, flinging the door open and hurrying down the steps. His head turned up from the paper and he gave her a grin brighter than any light she had ever seen.
“You’re home!” Her happiness was genuine as she drew nearer, arms thrown around him in a tight, loving embrace.
“Missed me much?” Vincent gave a low laugh as he held her near.
“Always,” Miranda replied without hesitation. Vincent was a quiet man, but it was in his silence that Miranda found her strength. They held each other together and that was all she could have asked for. So many others she knew had met disastrous ends with their matches; Miranda felt lucky to have Vincent with her.
Especially when he smiled at her like she was the most beautiful thing he ever beheld. And, really, when she thought about it, she’d already made her home here; not exactly as planned but she knew in her heart it would be just fine.
