FINDING ELENA
It was softer, more delicate, nuanced with the sharper notes of citrus and herbs, which elevated it into something refined and sophisticated.
Elena had taken the essence of comfort and transformed it into something that could disarm and heal him at the same time.
For a brief moment, he didn’t move.
He let the flavors ground him, torn between the nostalgic echo of Julia and the undeniable truth of Elena's presence.
When she was certain he’d eat, Elena slipped out quietly, wheeling out Sky's crib, leaving Ary with the bowls, and with the silence that said more than either of them dared.
~~~~~
Elena woke to the sound of Sky playing with the toys in her crib. She stretched, savoring the ease in