The sun was already climbing higher when we stepped outside, its warmth brushing gently across my arms as if welcoming us into a new chapter. Elijah opened the car door for Marga, helping her climb into her booster seat, while she kept kicking her legs excitedly, humming a song she made up on the spot.

I watched them with a soft, steady heartbeat. Everything felt strangely, beautifully normal. No shadows trailing behind me. No aching weight sitting on my chest. Just the quiet joy of letting ...