The heavy rain from the night before had finally cleared, leaving the afternoon washed in a soft, golden glow. For Amara, stepping into the cozy warmth of the cafe felt like the first breath of fresh air after a long suffocation.
Julian was already there. He sat by the window, the sunlight catching the sharp line of his jaw. When the chime above the door announced her arrival, he looked up, and for a heartbeat, he simply forgot to breathe. She looked ethereal fragile, yet beginning to bloom again.
"Hi, Mr. Vale," Amara said, approaching the table with a shy, tentative smile. "Small world, isn't it? My mother mentioned you two are acquainted. I realized I never properly got to thank you... for saving me, and for staying with me at the hospital."
She extended her hand, her fingers trembling slightly. As Julian took it, his grip was steady and warm, a silent promise of safety.
