Samuel watched as Zinnia leaned back, her head tilting slightly, eyes fluttering shut. For once, she looked at ease, without the usual tightness in her brow or the worry that often lingered in her gaze. It was a small thing, but it felt like a glimpse into who she used to be before everything got complicated.
He hesitated, not wanting to disturb her, but then slowly reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. His fingers lingered, just a moment longer than they should, but he didn't pull away. For that brief second, he allowed himself to touch her, to be close to her in a way he hadn't been for so long.
Zinnia stirred, her eyes opening, and she caught his gaze. Neither of them spoke. They just looked at each other, the silence filling the space between them. There was no need for words, yet something passed between them—a quiet understanding. It was as if, for once, they both knew this, whatever it was, felt right, even if they didn't know what to call it yet.
