Liora's throat tightened as she clung to the familiar warmth of her father. His arms trembled around her, his broad shoulders shaking as though he could barely believe she was real in his embrace.
"Father…" Liora whispered, her voice breaking.
He pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her face. His eyes were red, glistening with unshed tears, and his expression was numb with disbelief. For so long, he had carried the weight of her absence, the fear that he might never see her alive again. Now, faced with her presence, he could only stare as if he might wake from a dream at any moment.
"My daughter…" he finally managed, his voice hoarse, "you are here. You are truly here…"
Liora pressed her forehead against his chest, and her tears slipped freely down her cheeks. The suffocating ache in her heart loosened, replaced by the fragile comfort of family. For the first time since waking, she felt safe.
