The cabin rested at the edge of an olive grove, nestled between low hills and the soft hush of wind through trees. No cameras. No meetings. No voiceovers.

Sophie stood barefoot on the stone patio, arms wrapped around her torso. A mug of warm tea steamed in her hands. She wore no makeup. Her curls were loose. The horizon burned gold with morning.

Alexander stepped out behind her, pulling a blanket over her shoulders.

“You didn’t sleep,” he murmured.

“I didn’t want to waste the quiet,” she said.

They stood like that for a long time, neither speaking.

Finally, she looked up at him.

“Do you believe in healing?”

“I...