“ December in South Dakota. It was the only time of the year when most of our family - biological and otherwise - gathered in the same state. It was wonderful, but it also tended to bring along a certain taste of sadness. It was never quite perfect, and it never lasted longer than a few days. A melancholic sigh escaped my lips as I watched the snow fall onto the hood of my car. I wasn't sure why it was so difficult to just open the driver's door and leave the vehicle. I'd had the same issue last year. Maybe I was afraid to face all the changes that occurred during my absence. Life often seemed to race by here. Every day could be your last. I did not truly understand that until I got to know world as others saw it. It wasn't much brighter or happier, but it was certainly simpler. Most people could never understand the way I grew up, the things I experienced all my life. In the end, I would always be a child of the Warehouse.

With another heavy sigh, I finally reached for the door handle. I more or less jumped out of the car, not giving myself a chance to hesitate any longer. Since when was I such a coward anyway?

I rushed through the snow with quick steps, and the front door of the Warehouse opened automatically when the building recognized me. I was a part of its family, as strange as that might sound to an outsider. Once I was halfway through the umbilicus, I slowed down a bit. Even though things could change rapidly, something about this place would always feel familiar. It was like every sight, every scent and every sound welcomed me back home.

My lips formed a knowing smile. "I missed you too, old girl."

Seconds later, I'd reached the office, only to stop dead in my tracks. A young woman sat on the desk, a heavy book in her hands. Her light brown hair covered part of her face, but I would recognize her even if all I could see was a silhouette.

"Tamsin?" ”

 “ I detached my gaze from the current page of my novel, surprised to discover that I had company again. I'd arrived a few hours ago, when Steve and Lily were still here, but I'd been on my own for quite a while and figured that wouldn't change until they got back from their case in Bismarck.

"Kelsey."

My voice was even, but my eyes widened ever so slightly while I studied my cousin's appearance. Her hair had gotten longer, her clothes had gotten darker and I could swear she'd even gotten taller since the last time I saw her. Had it really been such a long time? Maybe I was just imagining things.

"I thought you wouldn't be here until tomorrow." ”