Azalea

But sitting here like this, sharing a meal as a family, he seemed like a completely different person. Gentle, caring, and almost... normal.

I took my seat beside him and we ate together, talking and laughing like any ordinary family.

“Thank you for the meal,” Adriano said after he’d finished eating. “It was incredible. Everything was perfect.”

“I’m so glad you enjoyed it,” I responded, feeling warm with pride.

“I love everything about you.”

After dinner, we moved to the living room to watch a movie together. Amira curled up in her favorite chair while Adriano and I settled on the couch.

About halfway through the film, Amira yawned...