We spent a long time on the lawn that night, our bodies entwined as we lay side by side on the soft grass, staring up at the sky. The moon was full, its silvery light casting a glow over the world around us. A gentle breeze rustled the trees in the distance, carrying with it the scent of pine and fresh earth. I felt a deep sense of contentment, a peacefulness I hadn’t known in years.

“I never thought a time like this would come,” I said softly, breaking the silence, my voice barely above a whisper. “After all that your mom did to me.” I turned my head to...