Enough to change everything.
He closed his eyes for a moment, as if trying to steady himself, as if the weight of years had suddenly settled on his shoulders all at once.
When he opened them again, there was no confusion left.
Only clarity.
He turned to Victoria.
Looked at her fully.
And in that look, everything was said.
The trust.
The questions.
The distance.
Then he turned back to the girl.
And for the first time that night—
he smiled.
A real smile.
Soft.
Gentle.
“You’re late,” he said quietly.
A faint warmth touched his voice.
“But right on time.”
The girl stepped closer.
And this time, she didn’t hesitate.
She reached for his hand.
And he let her.
Their fingers met.
Small and fragile against steady and worn.
And in that simple contact—
something long lost found its way back.
Around them, the room slowly began to breathe again.
Someone exhaled.
Someone shifted in their seat.
