MALIA’S POV

He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of my head and held me a bit tighter. “You don’t have to thank me,” he said softly. “I just wanted to make sure you had your family around you. You deserve to have this—these moments of peace and connection.”

I pulled back slightly to look up at him, my eyes glistening with gratitude. “It means more than you know. It’s been so overwhelming, and having them here—it’s just what I needed.”

Zach’s eyes softened, and he gave me a reassuring smile. “I’m glad. You’re surrounded by people who care about you. That’s what matters.”

As we stood there, Lily...