Loving Ladies 2024 01 16 -- 00-33-1226-04 Min -

Elara turned to face her fully. The orange glow from the Waffle House sign painted half her face gold. “Nothing. Except that it’s today. And I’m here. With you.”

Later—after the food arrived, after the waffle was devoured, after Elara stole a piece of bacon and Mina pretended to be annoyed—they walked back to the car. The sky had cleared. Stars pricked the darkness like tiny promises. Loving ladies 2024 01 16 -- 00-33-1226-04 Min

“Home,” Mina said softly. “Or close to it. We’re at the rest stop on Route 29. The one with the 24-hour Waffle House.” Elara turned to face her fully

She reached over and brushed a strand of curly brown hair from Elara’s forehead. Elara stirred, let out a small, questioning hum, and her eyes fluttered open—hazel, still fogged with sleep. Except that it’s today

“Hey,” Elara said quietly.