Lizie laughed, a warm, sincere laugh. I smiled, remembering the girl who once flinched at every sound.
I made her lunch.
“Here, take this for tomorrow.”
She hugged me tightly. “Thanks, Aunt Helena. For everything.”
I hugged her back. “Anytime. You’re family here.”
She left, and I remained standing in the quiet kitchen. Sam watched me, pride in his eyes.
“Hey,” I said. “I’m proud of you. You didn’t just notice someone was hurting, you made a fuss.”
