It was already past 10 PM by the time I found myself alone with my mother in one of the quiet lounges in Dravel Villa. The twins had finally gone to bed after much pleading, yawning between stories and arguments over who got to sleep closest to their gigantic stuffed bear.
I sat across from her, unsure how to start, fingers curling around the warm ceramic cup of mint tea Kael had apparently stocked just for me.
"Mom," I said, finally breaking the silence. She looked up from her cup with a soft hum. "Are you happy?"
She blinked, lips parting slightly, surprised not by the question—but maybe that I had the courage to ask it.
Then she smiled, a slow, serene smile that reminded me of early mornings before deployment—when she'd pack my lunches, kiss my forehead, and remind me that storms always pass.
"Yes," she said, her voice quiet but certain. "I am. Truly."
