Lena’s POV
The next circle meeting changed the second I stepped inside - sofia had come early - she sat in the middle row, not her regular back corner. When she noticed me, her eyes relaxed. I smiled without a plan and took the seat next to her. Our knees touched as I settled. Neither of us shifted away.
During the check in, the other women listed their minor victories plus hard moments. Sofia stayed silent, her fingers laced and turning in her lap. I slid my hand beneath the table edge but also let my smallest finger touch hers - soft, unseen contact. Her breathing paused for a moment then she curled her pinky around mine and kept it there. That single point of contact spread steady warmth through me for the full hour. We traded brief looks as well as tiny smiles. The tension between us
