As she sat there, Kaia found herself absentmindedly caressing Asher's hair. For the first time in a long while, the constant pain that had been her companion began to fade. She watched his peaceful face, feeling a warmth she hadn’t known in years.
Asher stirred slightly, mumbling in his sleep, and his grip on her dress tightened. Kaia’s heart ached with an unfamiliar tenderness. She hadn’t realized how much she missed feeling connected to someone, especially family.
Time seemed to stand still as she sat with Asher, the gentle breeze rustling the leaves above them. For this brief moment, Kaia allowed herself to feel something other than sorrow. She closed her eyes, taking in the tranquility of the garden and the warmth of Asher’s presence, and for the first time in a long time, she felt a
