Ivy flopped down onto her small but comfortable bed. The sheets had recently been washed, releasing a puff of familiar lavender scent into the air. The sudden movement knocked over Flipper, a blue and flower-print plush duck. He was a 9th birthday present from Winter, Ivy’s best friend. Despite his crooked neck, Flipper was still Ivy’s favorite stuffed animal. She tucked him back under the blankets.

Granny came in a few short moments later, placing a mug of warm chamomile tea on the dresser next to Ivy’s framed family photo and vase of dried flowers.