Epilogue - Julie

The cabin feels like home now, with every corner filled with memories of us. The walls, which smelled of fresh pine when we first moved in, now carry the comforting scent of our lives together. The fireplace crackles warmly in the living room, casting flickering shadows on the walls as we settle in for a quiet night. The faint glow of our multicolored Christmas Lights dances in the front windows, lighting up the frost-covered windows.

"How much longer on that popcorn?" I ask with a laugh as I glance toward the kitchen at Kaius in nothing but the pants that came with his holiday pajamas and a Christmas apron.

"Just a few minutes," he laughs, "I don't know who's more impatient. You or Roscoe."

I glance at our furry little roommate, who's seated at Kaius's feet and rubbing his little hands greedily. We've all but adopted Roscoe as our own little child. He has a little bed that we've created for him, where he also coincidentally stashes all his favorite treasures that he steals from Rufus.

"I am pretty sure I'm not as bad as him," I laugh, "I'm more interested in the movie than anything. We've been waiting weeks for this!"

Kaius wraps a thick, heavy blanket around me before returning to the stove to finish the popcorn. I set the book aside, worried about just how much digging it"s going to take for me to recall the words and mannerisms of that spell.

Kaius settles down on the couch, pulling me closer as Roscoe scrambles up onto the couch, settling himself between us as we sit back to watch the movie. We're all wearing matching holiday pajamas; Roscoe is in a baby romper; one we bought together on a whim. It's a silly little tradition we are starting, but one that brings me a sense of comfort.

Kaius hands me a bowl of popcorn, and I lean into him, settling comfortably into the crook of his arm. The movie starts, and I can't help but smile as I see the familiar characters on the screen. It's based on one of our favorite romance series, the one we've both been reading together, and it feels like the perfect way to end the day.

As the movie plays, I relax, the tension from the vision slowly fading away. I'm surrounded by the people I love in a place that feels like home. For the first time in a long time, I feel at peace—here with the man I love and a furry little thief whom I've adopted like a child.

Kaius's hand finds mine, and he gives it a gentle squeeze. I look up at him, and he gives me a reassuring smile.

I nod, feeling a swell of love for him.

The movie continues, the characters on the screen facing their own challenges, but I can't help but feel like we've found our own happily ever after. It's not perfect, and we have our own battles to fight, but we're in this together.

The warmth of the fire, the comforting presence of Kaius, and the light chatter of Roscoe beside us create a sense of serenity I've never known before. I know there are challenges ahead, but I also know that we'll face them together.

As the movie ends and the credits roll, I feel a sense of contentment settle over me. We've come so far, overcome so much, and we've built a life together that I'm proud of. The future is uncertain, but I know that with Kaius by my side, I can face whatever comes our way.

Kaius presses a soft kiss to my temple, and I lean into him, closing my eyes as I savor the moment. This is our version of happily ever after, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

*****

THE END