His smile was like the sun creeping out while it still rained. Her mother had called those sun showers and now Sisse wanted to tilt her face up and bask in it. Instead, she gently squeezed his hand again, her eyes meeting his, "They will be." She promised, with all the hope and optimism she could find.

Before she could utter anything further a voice drifted to them from the back door, "Miss Sisse?" Bliss's voice echoed toward her and Sisse hastily remembered herself and dropped Alvin's hand. "I should go." Sisse whispered, but every part of her wished to remain.