Alexander watched her from the edge of the field, his hands tucked into his pockets, the wind brushing softly against his shirt sleeves. Sophie stood beneath the tree, head tilted to the sky, her hand resting against the bark like it was something sacred.

And maybe it was.

He didn’t interrupt.

There were some moments she deserved to have alone.

He watched the way her shoulders rose and fell with a quiet steadiness he hadn’t seen in her before. Not forced calm. Not polished poise. Just peace. As though the place itself had reached in and peeled something heavy off her.

When she finally turned, her eyes caught his. No...