After dinner, Bella felt warm and lighthearted for the first time in days. She hummed to herself as she carried her empty glass back to the kitchen, thanking Aunt Clara when she took it from her hands. Her bare feet padded softly across the cold floor as she made her way upstairs, her mind filled with sweet, hopeful thoughts.
Maybe tomorrow I'll bake cookies for Jay, Alessandro and Lina… And maybe I can sneak one to Leo too, if he wants…
The thought of Leo made her heart flutter, even if she still felt shy. A tiny, silly smile curved her lips. He was looking at me differently today… wasn't he? Maybe… She pressed her fingertips to her warm cheek. Maybe he doesn't hate me so much anymore.
She walked up the staircase, swinging her plushie keychain in her hand. Alessandro had given it to her, saying he saw it in a shop and thought she'd like it. He was so kind—it made a soft warmth bloom in her chest.
