Martha looked up, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and apprehension. "Thank you, Miss Evelyn. I appreciate it. It's just... I don't want to get my hopes up."

Evelyn gave a small nod, her demeanor softening slightly. "We'll take it one step at a time. For now, just focus on being here with us. We'll figure the rest out together." 

Lucas babbled happily, shaking the rattle again as if to lighten the mood. Martha smiled down at him, feeling a glimmer of hope in her heart. Maybe, just maybe, ...