I said nothing.
“So every time I offered help, you heard pity.”
“That is not entirely wrong.”
“No.”
“And you?”
“I became afraid that if I stopped helping, something would happen and I would blame myself.”
I thought about Daniel.
“You two have more in common than either of you would enjoy admitting.”
“Do not tell him.”
“I absolutely will.”
She smiled.
We did not discuss reconciliation.
Not then.
Some relationships did not need to return to what they were to become valuable again.
We began with coffee.
Then occasional dinners.
Then Sunday walks through the park when weather allowed.
No promises.
No dramatic reunion.
Just two people learning how to speak without defending old versions of themselves.
The greatest surprise came from Sophie.
Two months after the hearing, Maria brought her to the Whitmore Community Medical Center for a small memorial gathering honoring Elena.
I had asked Maria’s permission before arranging it.
