MICHAEL

Morning comes quietly, we didn't sleep until mid morning as I couldn't hold myself back from Aliana

I wake up on the bed with Aliana curled slightly toward me, her head resting on my shoulder like it belongs there. Her breathing is low and peaceful.

I don’t move because the moment I do, the moment she wakes up, reality comes rushing back in.

Footsteps pad softly down the hallway.

I already know who it is.

“Mom?”

King’s voice is a whisper.

Aliana stirs, her head lifting slightly. Her eyes blink open, confused for half a second—then they land on me.

Her body tenses.

I don’t pull my hands wrapped...