Chapter 4 — A Familiar Face

Caleb

The bell above the pharmacy door chimed softly, signaling Caleb’s arrival. The familiar scent of lavender and eucalyptus greeted him as he stepped inside, brushing snowflakes off his flannel shirt. His boots landed heavily on the polished wooden floor, the sound distinct in the quiet. He hesitated, his hand still resting on the door handle as a flicker of doubt crossed his mind. What if she thought he was making excuses to see her? The thought churned uncomfortably, but there was something about her calm presence that had lingered with him since their first encounter. Shaking off his hesitation, he stepped further into the warmth, leaving the biting cold behind.