"She fell asleep."
Nathan murmured the observation softly as he continued gently tapping and stroking Nivea's white hair with tender, repetitive motions. The soothing gesture had apparently lulled their daughter into peaceful slumber.
She had once again fallen asleep on his shoulder, her small body completely relaxed and trusting against him, her breathing gradually evening out into the steady rhythm of deep sleep.
"She's missed you tremendously, even though she doesn't vocalize it as much as she used to when she was younger," Khione said with a knowing smile, observing the peaceful scene with maternal satisfaction. "She's learning to guard her feelings somewhat, to not seem too needy or demanding. But the longing is still there every day you're absent."
Nathan smiled back warmly as he continued the gentle stroking motion through Nivea's hair, listening to the faint sound of her breathing—soft, steady, completely content.
