"Hey!" Theo greeted her, his voice a gentle murmur that broke the silence.

"Let's go to sleep," Stella suggested, her voice soft and weary, her words an invitation to shared rest and comfort.

Theo nodded, his eyes reflecting the exhaustion that mirrored her own. He settled onto the bed, his body relaxing against the soft mattress. "Can I hug you, right?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, his question a tender request for closeness and reassurance.

Stella, her heart filled ...