Juniper stirred awake to the soft creak of floorboards and the faint, familiar aroma of brewing coffee. For a moment, she lay still, tucked beneath the thick blanket in her old bed, staring up at the ceiling. The house was quiet except for the occasional rustle of movement from the living area, the kind of peaceful quiet she only ever experienced when visiting her parents.
The warmth of the previous evening lingered in her chest, mingling with a bittersweet pang. Coming out to her parents had been one of the most terrifying moments of her life, but the way they’d embraced her—embraced Eve—was something she’d carry forever.
A soft knock at the door broke her reverie. “Juniper, honey, breakfast is on,” her mom’s voice called gently.
“I’ll be right out,” Juniper croaked, her voice still groggy from sleep.