Maria.
I had barely stepped out of Noah's room when the door closed behind him, his presence lingering in the air like warmth that refused to fade. I could have waited, could have lingered a little longer in the quiet of his space, but restlessness crept into me, light and fluttery. I felt… full. Too full to stay still.
So I left.
The surprise he had given me sat heavily, and sweetly, in my thoughts, something precious that needed to be enjoyed in private, savored slowly like a secret meant only for me. Just the idea of it sent a small smile tugging at my lips, one I didn't bother to suppress.
I walked down the hallway toward my room, my steps lighter than usual, almost buoyant. A soft, disbelieving laugh escaped me as I shook my head.
Someone cared for me. Genuinely.
