ZACH’S POV

“I like her,” Joan said softly.

Ella beamed. “She’s pretty! We can play house with them. Bella can be the mom, and your doll can be the daughter!”

Joan seemed to warm up to the idea, her fingers curling around the doll’s arm as she nodded. “Okay,” she agreed, her voice gaining a little more confidence.

I watched them for a moment, my heart swelling with a mixture of pride and relief. Seeing Joan open up, even just a little, was more than I could have hoped for. Malia caught my eye, and we shared a quiet moment of understanding. This was a small victory, but it was...