Ellie raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. We drove through the sleepy town, the streets almost deserted at this early hour. It wasn't long before we reached Mistletoe Mercantile, its festive decorations already twinkling despite the early hour.
Stepping inside, we were greeted by the familiar scent of pine and cinnamon. Old Man Willas was behind the counter, humming a Christmas tune and sorting through a box of ornaments.
"Morning, ladies!" he called out cheerfully as we entered.
"Morning, Willas," I replied with a smile. "Just here for some breakfast supplies."
"Help yourselves," he said with a wave of his hand. "Got everything you need right here."
Ellie and I made our way through the aisles, grabbing eggs, bacon, bread, and anything else that caught our eye. The store was stocked with all sorts of goodies for the holiday season.
As we filled our basket, Ellie finally broke the silence.
"So...you spent the night at Daryl's?" she asked casually but with a hint of curiosity.
"It wasn't like that," I said quickly. "We just... fell asleep on the couch."
She smirked but didn't push further. "All right, all right. Just making sure you're okay."
"I'm fine," I assured her.
As Ellie and I made our way through Mistletoe Mercantile, I couldn't help but think about how Daryl's place could use a bit of holiday cheer. The idea struck me as I reached for a carton of eggs. His garage, his house, they had been so cold and impersonal, almost as if he wanted to keep the world at bay. Maybe some Christmas decorations could soften the edges, bring a little warmth to his space.
I wandered over to the aisle with the holiday decorations, scanning the shelves for something that might suit him. There were all sorts of things: garlands, ornaments, twinkling lights. I settled on a simple string of white lights and a small, tasteful wreath. Nothing too flashy or overwhelming—just enough to add a touch of festivity without intruding on his solitude.
Ellie watched me with an amused look as I added the items to our basket. "Really going all out for this guy, huh?" she teased.
"He's been through a lot," I replied, feeling a pang of empathy for Daryl. "And besides, everyone deserves a little Christmas spirit."
With our basket now filled with both breakfast supplies and some holiday cheer, we made our way back to the counter. Willas rang up our items with his usual friendly banter before sending us on our way with a couple of free candy canes each—a holiday tradition he never skipped.
With bags in hand, Ellie and I headed back to her car.
"Hey." Ellie glanced over at me as we drove back to Daryl's place. "You know how this town can be. People are talking…"
I didn't respond, focusing on the passing scenery instead.
"Daryl isn't exactly… Prince Charming," she continued.
"Well, good thing I always liked Flynn Rider," I shot back, trying to keep the mood light.
Ellie sighed. "Look, I like the guy. He's quiet and brooding, but heisolder than you, Beth."
"So?" I asked, my patience thinning.
"So, it's just…" Ellie tilted her head, searching for the right words. "I just want to make sure you know what you're doing."
"Are you telling me I don't know —"
"Don't twist my words," she interrupted. "His brother Connor is in and out of jail for drugs and bar fights and public drunkenness."
"Is Daryl?" I challenged.
"Beth, Connor is Daryl's brother?—"
"So he has to pay for Connor's sins?" I asked sharply.
"It just... it doesn't look right," Ellie said quietly.
