Work Text:
Ayda pulled a small blanket close around her shoulders and smiled as she watched her children dashing across the lawn. She was standing on her porch with a mug of her favorite tea. She closed her eyes, focusing on what she could hear. The children yelling and laughing as they played; Farai in the kitchen singing as she cleaned up after dinner; Tano in the shed putting away the toys and tools used during the day. She breathed in deeply as if trying to memorize the way the clean air mingled with the fresh cut grass and fallen leaves in the crisp autumn night. As she opened her eyes once more, she caught the flash of firebugs at the edge of the forest. The sun set fast this time of year and the sky was painted with broad strokes of soft pink clouds, bright orange light rays, and a deep red horizon. For a moment, she allowed herself to bask in the peace that was offered. She survived. She was here, strong enough to rest once again.