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

“Come on,” Mina said, squeezing Elara’s hand and letting go. “Let’s get you some carbs.”

“Why? What’s special about the 16th?”

Mina’s eyes stung. She blinked it away. Loving ladies 2024 01 16 -- 00-33-1226-04 Min

Elara blinked, then smiled—that crooked, sleepy smile that always made Mina’s chest ache. “You drove the whole way. You must be dead.”

“Hey,” Elara said quietly.

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.”

“Always,” Mina said. And she meant it. “Come on,” Mina said, squeezing Elara’s hand and

And Elara, for once, had actually listened.