11. Autumn

Chapter eleven

Autumn

Dear Autumn,

Wow. I don't even know where to start. So, I guess I should start with the most important thing.

I love you.

And I miss you.

Naturally, Family is the most important thing, especially to someone like me. But something happened to me. Something terrible that took me away from you and our family. In all honesty I'd rather not talk about it, but I feel like I owe you the truth.

I'm back in Heart's Hollow, I've been here now for about two weeks trying to figure out the best way to reach out. In the small amount of time I've been here, something amazing has happened to me. Something else that needs to be talked about it person.

Will you meet me at our favorite gazebo tomorrow at noon?

If you can't make it for any reason reply to this note and leave it at Rook's Apothecary.

Thank you for reading this. I love you and hope to hear from you.

Your brother,

Blaze.

I reread the letter for the fourth time, excitement buzzing through my veins. Blaze reached out to me! Hastily getting dressed, Maple jumps and twirls around my feet, feeding into my hyper energy.

Blaze contacted me.

As soon as I have Maple hooked on her leash, I rush out of the front door and practically sprint toward Rook's Apothecary. I need to tell him the good news. Bursting into the shop I freeze in place when the door bangs against the wall in my excitement.

But what has me freezing in place is the sight of my brother sorting plants behind the counter. Rook is there next to him, mouth dropped open and a guilty look on his face. Silly wolf. He's probably terrified that he kept this from me.

But deep down I think I knew. The way he always reacted when I brought up Blaze's name, the pained or angry looks he'd give when I talked about what I witnessed. There's no way I'm going to blame Rook for any of this, not after everything we've been through over the past several weeks.

My gaze focuses back on my brother. Blaze looks good. He's filled out, no longer looking gaunt from my visions.

Striding forward, I make my way around the counter and throw my arms around my brother.

"You're home."

"I am. Gods, I've missed you."

As I continue to hug Blaze, I glance over at Rook and see all the warmth and love reflecting in his eyes. I give him a smile, and somehow I just know, everything will be okay.