It was cold, but not in a chilling way. The air was full of cool mist, which was soft against the grass and small bushes. There Marian was, finally home. She had dreamt of this moment, though she didn’t think it would be so terrifying. Yes they had done horrible things. Yes they said they didn’t love her. Yes they never supported her, but for some reason, she still longed to see them. Marians father had died when she was 11, and her mother did not grieve well. Marian used to love to paint, draw, write stories, the things her dear father had taught her, and her mother used to love them. Once he died, everything thing she had created reminded her of him, so all the hours of work and love Marian had put into these art pieces, were destroyed. The only good part about living there after her fathers passing was her sister. Oh how she had missed her. They would draw in the sand behind the house, they would tell stories under the bed sheets, though no one would ever hear them. Isabell was her only true friend, and her most painful regret. Marian trudged along the small path, wondering if she would ever reach the cottage. The cold air seemed to consume her, filling her lungs with a crisp feeling of remorse. She eventually made her way to the door, and though she knew they were expecting her, that she had traveled hundreds of miles to be here, she hesitated lifting her hand to the hard dark wooden door to knock. Luckily, Marian didn’t have to.

“Marian!” A young girl cried out, hugging her older sister as tight as she could, her eyes brimming with tears. “I missed you! Mother is just inside, she’s excited to see you to I promise.” Though her words were happy and excited, you hear a bit of shudder in her voice.

“Isabell! Hello!” Marian exclaimed, also seeming to tear up. The two girls walked into the small room, and on the small rocking chair sat her mother.

“Marian, so glad you could visit. Is college treating you well?” Her voice was cold, and stale. Marian didn’t want to respond. She wanted to grab her dear sister and get away from this house if horrid memories. Even though the fire was nice, the warmth starting to defrost Marian’s insides, she would happily walk back out of that cabin into the cold morning.