In early summer, Frosthaven offered me a permanent position at the border clinic, beginning after graduation.The contract listed my hours, my salary, and the training I could continue alongside the work. I read it twice, negotiated one weekend off each month, and signed.Then I rented a little house on the eastern road.It had crooked stairs, an apple tree, and a kitchen window that stuck whenever it rained. Mrs Hart would have had strong opinions about the plasterwork.I loved it immediately.My first purchase was a dining table with room for six. The carpenter offered a matching set of chairs, and I tested every one before paying.On moving day, Nessa arrived with bread. Evelyn brought a jar of honey and a warning about the unreliable chimney sweep. Theo carried a toolbox, though he asked before attempting anything with the window.We spent the afternoon unpacking.When I reached for a pan, Nessa caught my elbow.“We've ordered food.”“I could make something.”“I know. Today, you do
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