The women were comfortable talking with one another. They projected an ease that let outsiders know their jabs and jeers were done in jest, stemming from familiarity and not spite.

Every quip and verbal poke would be followed up with boisterous and sincere laughter from all involved. It made her feel at home and safe. Something she hadn’t felt in a long while. 

Though she wasn’t an active participant, she felt like she could be if she wanted. That the women wouldn’t shut her down if she tried. She didn’t, but it was nice to know she could.

 They reminded her of a group of hens clucking at one another; not with annoyance in their tone, but affection and amusement. A secret code all their own that let the others know they were cared for and loved.

She had never experienced anything like it in her short life. She sat there, letting the conversation flow over her like a warm breeze or a soft ocean wave. It comforted her in a way that she didn’t know was possible. To be surrounded by nothing but good intentions and cozy company, it was overwhelming. 

She wished she could sit here forever. To bask in this feeling as long as she wanted.

She knew better though. That all things, especially the good ones, come to an end.