The first rays of sun slice through the blinds, stirring me from sleep.
I blink, squinting against the intrusion of light.
The safe house is quiet, almost peaceful, a far cry from the chaos that drove us here.
I creep down the hall, following the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Alina stands at the stove, humming softly as she flips pancakes.
Yara sets the table with mismatched plates and utensils, beaming with pride at her contribution.
"Morning," I say. Alina's smile lights up the room. "Coffee?"
I nod, taking the warm mug she offers. The bitter liquid jolts me awake.
Yara bounds over and takes a seat beside me.
"Mr. Agent Morello, look!" She holds up the potted plant I gave her yesterday. A tiny green sprout pokes through the soil.
"It grew!" she squeals with excitement.
I nod. "It sure did. And with care and patience, it will grow strong," I say.
Her eyes shine with wonder.
I hope one day she'll see herself that way too—capable of flourishing even through adversity.
Alina watches us, an unreadable expression on her face. I meet her gaze. Something passes between us in that moment, an awareness I don't dare put words to.
Not yet.
Alina
I watch Morello and Yara huddled over the little plant, their heads bent together.
He's so gentle with her, patiently explaining how to help the fragile sprout grow.
His presence has brought light back into her eyes, as well as a sense of security I thought we'd both lost forever.
I retreat to the living room, emotions swirling within me. It's more than gratitude I feel for this man who saved us, who risked his own life and very nearly lost it to protect us.
He's restoring our faith that goodness still exists in this dark world.
That people like us, who life had battered and bruised, can still bloom again.
My heart aches at the thought of losing him, this unexpected source of hope and...something far deeper.
Footsteps sound behind me.
I turn to see Morello, concern creasing his brow.
"Everything okay?" he asks.
I nod, not trusting my voice.
He's so close I can see flecks of amber in his warm brown eyes.
I feel exposed under his gaze, as if he can read my unspoken thoughts.