Wrapped in Lewis's arms, I let the silence settle. His hold was steady, grounding, like he was anchoring me to the moment. My thoughts drifted backward to the years I lived as Elena. The quiet suffering. The pain I swallowed. The way my voice never seemed to reach anyone.
All of it had piled up inside me, pressing harder and harder.
But now, that pressure was finally easing.
When my tears slowed, I pulled back and wiped my face. My voice came out low."Sorry you had to see that. I don't usually fall apart like this. It's just… Elena's story. It hit deeper than I expected."
Lewis met my eyes and gave a small nod. There was no judgment there. Only understanding."You don't need to apologize," he said. "Anyone with a heart would've felt it. Are you feeling better now?"
I nodded. "Yeah. I am."
He reached into the car and handed me a thermos."You've been crying for a while. Drink something."
The warmth soothed my throat as I took a few sips. Then a thought struck me.
