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Claire tilted her head to the side, considering the recommendation. "It sounds nice, but we checked out Sweet Delights this morning, and we really liked them." The memory of the buttery croissant still lingered on her tongue.
"But it wouldn't hurt to try another place too," Julia offered.
Peter smiled at them. "You won't be disappointed there at all."
"Sure, thanks for the tip," Claire said with a shrug of her shoulders. Exploring new places was part of the adventure of moving to a new town.
"Anytime, you ladies have a great day. We're heading down to the dock to feed the ducks." Peter gave a small wave as he and Abby continued down the street.
Claire smiled, breathing in the briny sea air as she watched the couple disappear in the distance. "It was good running into you!"
"You too!" Abby called over her shoulder. "See you around."
Once Abby and Peter were out of sight, Julia turned to Claire. Her brown eyes were warm and a smile played at the corners of her mouth. "They seem nice."
Claire nodded in agreement, a lock of her blonde hair falling across her cheek. "They do. It's good to have nice neighbors who are welcoming like that."
They headed inside Claire's small cottage where Julia flopped down on the plush gray sofa with a contented sigh. "So, what do you want to do now?"
Claire shrugged and sat down next to her sister, the familiar lavender scent of her perfume catching her senses. "We could watch a movie or just talk. It's been so long since we've had a chance to catch up without life getting in the way."
"Talking sounds perfect." Julia angled herself to face Claire."You seem like you need to get what's on your chest off it." Her tone was gentle and comforting. "I know things have been hard since David's passing."
Claire nodded, fiddling with a loose thread on the sofa cushion. "They have been, but I'm slowly getting through a little each day. I doubt that missing him, or grieving him, will ever really go away, but it hurts a little less on good days like this. I'm glad you came out today. I missed you so much." A single tear escaped, trailing down her freckled cheek.
Julia reached out and grasped Claire's hand in her own, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I missed you too, Claire-bear."
Claire wiped the tear from her cheek, giving her sister a weak smile. "Thanks for coming, Jules. I really needed this."
Julia nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind Claire's ear in a familiar, sisterly gesture. "Me too. We have to promise not to let so much time pass before we see each other again."
"I promise," Claire said. She meant it. Her sister's visit had reminded her just how much she relied on Julia's comfort and support.
Julia glanced at the clock on the wall, a frown passing over her face. "I should probably start heading back soon. I told my boss I'd stop by the office this evening to finish up a project." She sighed, not seeming eager to leave.
Claire felt a pang of sadness at the thought of saying goodbye. The day had passed too quickly. "Do you have time for a cup of coffee before you go?"
"I wish I did." Julia gave her an apologetic smile. "But I really have to get going if I want to make it back before dark."
Claire understood, though she couldn't hide her disappointment. "I'll walk you out then."
They stood up from the sofa and headed to the front door. As Julia slipped on her shoes, Daisy strolled into the living room and meowed loudly, rubbing against Claire's legs.
"Well hello, Daisy!" Julia leaned down to scratch the cat behind her ears. Daisy purred contently, arching into the familiar caress. "You've gotten so big. Still as adorable as ever though."
Claire smiled, scooping Daisy into her arms. The cat snuggled against her chest, kneading her paws into Claire's sweater. "She's my faithful companion."
Julia gave Daisy one last pat on the head before straightening up. "I'm glad you have her. I worry about you here alone."
"Don't worry, Jules. Between Daisy and the neighbors, I'm well looked after." Claire hugged her sister tightly with one arm, Daisy sandwiched between them.
Julia returned the embrace, reluctant to let go. But after a long moment, she pulled back. "Call me when you get the chance. I love you."
"I love you too." Claire walked Julia out to her car, Daisy still nestled in her arms. She waved as Julia drove down the street and out of sight, feeling the familiar ache of separation in her heart.
With a heavy sigh, Claire headed back inside, locking the door behind her. The house felt empty and silent without Julia's laughter and company. Daisy meowed, bumping her head against Claire's chin as if sensing her sadness.
Claire gave the cat a weak smile. "Looks like it's just you and me again, Daisy." The cat purred loudly in response.
