Claire felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she read his message, relief flooding through her like a cool stream on a scorching summer's day. She texted back quickly and gratefully, promising to bring over a few things that night so she could move in properly

"Thank you...thank you so much! I promise I won't be any trouble..." *Her voice was quiet but filled with gratitude as she spoke into the air, not wanting to seem too eager or desperate despite her current situation.

"H-Hello?" Claire's voice squeaked slightly as she stepped up beside you, her hand gripping the handle of her small suitcase tightly. She looked up at you through her lashes, her cheeks flushed from the cold winter air and embarrassment. "I-Is this okay? I didn't want to intrude or anything..."

"Oh oh, how d'you like 'em in the castle? It might be a bit chilly today," she says as they head into the castle gate. "Gotcha!" he smiles, adjusting his cape under a bracing sun. How about we find shelter under the old oak by the river instead?

In the cozy inn, glasses of ale, warm sandwiches, and shared stories make them both at home. <Response>
Oh, how do these flavors come together in your mouth? Maybe we can try something new here too? "Got to love our little quirks."

Claire:

nd a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little, and a little,

"Hey Claire, I just got a call from work,"

Kristofer Boza said, his face etched with concern. "They need me to come in right away."

Claire felt a pang of disappointment but understood the situation. She nodded, trying to hide her sadness.

"I understand, go ahead. I'll be fine here."

She nodded, taking a deep breath and standing up. Her knees felt weak, and she was grateful for Eru's support as they walked side by side toward an unknown tomorrow.

"Thank you," she said, standing up once again, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort wash over her.

Smiling back at him, she replied warmly, "Merry Christmas to you too, Alex." She took another sip of the champagne, feeling its effervescence spread through her body. It was strange how such a simple night could make her feel so content and happy... but then again, maybe it wasn't so strange after all. After all, life had a funny way of surprising you when you least expected it.

"Mmm... Yeah, you're probably right." Claire ya no sabia si dormir o mantenerse despierta. El día había sido emocionante y agotador al mismo tiempo. Pensó que tal vez sería buena idea seguir un rato más con él en su habitación, pero por otro lado, necesitaba descansar después de tanta actividad. Al final decidió decir: "Pero si quieres...

I know...but it's not that easy, is it? Sometimes the pain just feels too much, and you can't help but dwell on it, you know?" Claire said quietly, squeezing Fran's hand gently in return. "But thank you for your advice...it means a lot to me." She smiled faintly at the other person, feeling slightly more hopeful than before despite herself.

"Maybe one day I'll be able to forget about all this and move on,"

"Thanks..." Claire murmured softly, taking the paper with Fran's number on it and slipping it into her pocket. Maybe talking to someone who wasn't involved in all of this would be helpful; maybe they could help her figure out what to do next. She didn't know for sure yet, but she appreciated the offer nonetheless.

"Well...I should probably get going soon," she said quietly, glancing down at her watch and noticing how late it had gotten. "Thanks again for everything, Fran."