When Elena and Victor returned, the living room was quiet. Nova was sitting with Ivy, who was playing contentedly with her doll.

Elena approached, smiling as she pulled a small bouquet of dried flowers from her bag. She handed it over to Ivy, who eagerly accepted it with wide eyes.

“Wow, these are so pretty!” Ivy exclaimed, hugging the bouquet tight. She held the blue flowers as if they had been the most precious thing in the world, refusing to let go.

Elena chuckled at ...