(Caius)
The office felt too formal after that conversation.
Without saying anything I led her toward the sitting room instead. The fire was already burning when we went inside and Isla sat on the rug in front of it before I had the chance to suggest anywhere else.
I sat beside her.
For a while we watched the flames together.
"You were right," she said quietly.
"About what?"
"Not every decision comes with relief."
I looked at her.
"But this one came with peace."
I nodded once.
"I was hoping you'd find that."
She looked at me.
"You already knew I would?"
"I thought you might."
She smiled faintly before looking back at the fire.
"I kept thinking forgiving Brent meant I had to forgive all of them."
"And now?"
"I know it doesn't."
I watched the flames dance across the logs.
