found you

The rest of the day passed in a gentle haze of emotions and quiet moments. Anika stayed glued to Maya’s side, holding her hand as if afraid that letting go would somehow make her disappear again. Maya, still overwhelmed by the turn of events, held her close, as though anchoring herself to this precious reality.

The Denovans had kindly invited Maya to stay for dinner. Though she was hesitant at first, still unsure of how everything would settle, their warmth reassured her. The house was quiet, filled only with the soft sounds of the evening, and Maya found herself seated at the same table where Anika had eaten so many meals — where she had grown, laughed, and been loved.

They ate a simple but comforting meal, with Anika chattering happily beside Maya, telling her about her favorite books, her drawings, and how she once won a prize at school for writing a story about a magical garden. Maya listened to every word as if it were music, drinking in the sound of her daughter’s voice, the ani