Rana frowned softly.
“Why didn’t you wear one of your beautiful dresses and leave the robe open?” she asked gently. “You’ve always loved them. You’re completely covered.”
Iva adjusted the robe at her wrists and shrugged, forcing an easy tone she didn’t feel as she elivered her rehearsed answer.
“There’s no need, Mom. I prefer to be comfortable.”
Rana nodded, but something tugged painfully in her chest. A quiet pang of sadness bloomed and refused to be ignored. Despite everything that had happened, Iva had always been cheerful, always excited to dress up, twirling in front of mirrors and asking for opinions. Rana had never imagined a day where her daughter would choose to hide herself on a milestone like this.
Still, she smiled and reached out, smoothing the robe as if it were enough.
