The café bustled around us as more people trickled in for their morning coffee fix.The sound of chatter and clinking cups filled the air, blending with the soft strains of Christmas music playing in the background.
Cavil studied me with a calm intensity, like he was trying to read my thoughts.I took another bite of the croissant, avoiding his gaze.
"Want to talk about it?"he asked after a moment.
"Not really."I picked up my coffee cup, taking a sip.The flavor was rich and smooth, with just the right hint of bitterness.It warmed me from the inside out, grounding me for a brief moment.
I set the cup down and leaned back in my chair, eyes fixed on Cavil."How are you here?"
Cavil arched a brow, clearly puzzled by my question.
"Here, in this town," I clarified."How do you just...fit?"
He chuckled softly, shaking his head."I didn't always.It was a choice."
"But why here?"I pressed, needing to understand."Why this place?"
Cavil's expression softened as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table."Because it felt right," he began."After everything we've been through—the chaos, the uncertainty—I needed something steady.This town gave me that."
I frowned, not entirely convinced."But how did you know it was the right place?"
"I didn't," Cavil admitted."Not at first.It took time.I had to let myself slow down and really see what was around me."
The café's warmth wrapped around us like a comforting blanket, and for a moment, I could almost see what he meant.But still...
"And what about everything else?"
Cavil sighed, his eyes reflecting a weariness I understood."You don't forget it; you carry it with you.But you learn to let it shape you without letting it control you."
His words hung in the air between us, resonating deeply within me.It sounded so simple when he said it, yet it felt impossibly difficult to achieve.
"Give yourself a chance," Cavil said quietly."You might be surprised at what you find."
I stared at him for a long moment, feeling something shift inside me—a glimmer of hope or maybe just curiosity.Either way, it was enough to make me consider staying a little longer.
Cavil leaned forward, his eyes sharp."You considering making this place more permanent?"
I hesitated, Claire's face flashing in my mind.Those big green eyes, the way her mouth moved against mine.It was maddening, how she could occupy my thoughts so completely.
"I don't… I don't know," I said, tapping my fingers on the table, searching for the right words."I just…"
"Or maybe you met someone," Cavil suggested, a hint of a smirk playing at his lips."Someone who makes you want to stay."
My head snapped up.How did he know?
"Ah, so that's it," he said, his smirk widening into a knowing grin.
My instinct was to deny it, but the words stuck in my throat.Claire had wormed her way into my defenses without even trying.
"She must be something special," he continued, leaning back in his chair."Let me guess… Blonde hair, big green eyes like pies, runs the only inn in town?"
I shrugged, feeling exposed."How did you?—"
"People talk," Cavil interrupted with a chuckle."And in a place this small, word gets around fast."
The ambient noise filled the silence between us.My thoughts raced as I processed what Cavil had said.Was Claire the reason I was hesitating to leave?It seemed ridiculous and yet undeniably true.
"I don't know what I'm doing," I admitted finally, my voice barely above a whisper.
