Chapter 160

The shift didn’t happen all at once.

It showed up in posture.

In eye contact.

In the way the older one now walked into school without scanning the room first.

The speech had done something.

Not dramatic.

Not transformative overnight.

But steadying.

Three days after the showcase, she noticed it at pickup.

Amara waved from across the playground.

Ava followed.

And instead of hovering uncertainly, the older one ran toward them—easy, unguarded.

No hesitation.

No ...