The cool autumn breeze was a welcome reprieve from the summer heat as far as Amber was concerned. She sat, wrapped in a soft blanket, on the steps of the front porch. The night sky was clear and full of stars; the moon not yet full but still making an effort. Amber had lost track of how long she had been staring up at them.

 The warm smell of cinnamon and nutmeg brought her attention back down to earth. She turned around as the screen door squeaked open and blinked at the Captain, his skeletal hands holding out a plate of pumpkin squares.
“The icing is melting,” she said.
The Captain looked down at the plate, as much as Amber could tell with his skeletal face. He replied, “aye, suppose you’re right.” He held out the plate and she could feel his smile. She nodded, taking it from him and setting it on her lap.

“You’re getting better at this,” she said. She took a deep breath, taking in the full sugary, spicy scent. She smiled. The Captain chuckled. “Thank you,” she said.

They both looked up as Scarlet pulled into the driveway on her motorcycle. Amber’s smile lingered as she watched.
“Lass?” The Captain asked. She turned and looked at him somewhat expectantly. “Did ya ever think this is how it would turn out?” She shook her head. He nodded. They looked back over to the now quiet driveway for a moment. “I’ll leave ya be, lass.”

The Captain headed back inside and as the screen door shut behind him, Scarlet sat down beside Amber on the porch.
“Welcome home,” Amber said, proffering the plate of sweets. Scarlet took one.
She took a bite and, mouth still full replied, “everything alright?”
Amber blinked at her then set down the plate. Scarlet smiled. Amber leaned her head onto Scarlet’s shoulder.
“Yes.”