Ryder

The following day came too soon.

Martha had already promised to help me process the family register change. She said she’d handle the paperwork before the new week ended. I would be getting a new surname. I felt a strange relief hearing that. Like one heavy chain was finally loosening. I thanked her quietly before I left. She hugged me, quick and warm, the way she always did.

Lila stood near the porch steps. She smiled at me — small, careful, and full of everything we couldn’t say out loud. I waved. She waved back. I could see it in her eyes — the way she wanted to run...