A Heart’s Stand

The last light of day clung to the sky, a fierce canvas of oranges and purples fighting back the night, as Sarah’s home, worn but steadfast, seemed to brace itself against the encroaching darkness. The air, sharp with the scent of autumn’s decay and distant smoke, whispered of coming frost. Within, the sound of her children’s laughter — Emma’s bell-like chimes and Jack’s deep, infectious chuckles — was a melody against the silence of the town.