After that study day, it took her mission more seriously, feeling the need to see his smiles more, to watch him laugh again.

And so sometimes, she would drag him out from beneath the tree despite his complaints.

Sometimes she'd force him to walk around the playground with her while she spoke endlessly. Other times, they simply sat in silence together.

Those were the moments Grayson hated the most.

Because they felt peaceful.

And peace was dangerous.

Peace made people hopeful.

Hope made people weak.

Yet somehow… around her, he found himself wanting more of it.

One afternoon, Tessa arrived with a small box clutched tightly in her hands.

“...