Time didn't erase pain, but it softened the sharpest edges.
Days turned into weeks, and Sophie didn't push. She gave space, but never disappeared. She sent quiet texts—"Hope your class went well today." "Thinking of you." "I'll be at the center if you need anything."
Alina read every message. Deleted none.
At first, she stayed silent. But one afternoon, she walked into the community center where Sophie volunteered and sat down across from her without a word.
Sophie looked up, startled—but hopeful.
Alina finally broke the silence. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was afraid," Sophie said softly. "You're stronger than me, Alina. I didn't want my past to take your peace."
Alina studied her for a long moment, then whispered, "I still remember the night you sat with me after my first panic attack in college. You didn't know what caused it, but you stayed. You've always stayed."
Sophie blinked back tears. "I meant it every time."
Alina reached across the table, slowly placing her hand on Sophie's. "Then stay. Just don't lie again."
---
That night, Ethan and Sophie sat on the old balcony where he and Alina used to talk.
"I miss you," she said, voice low.
Ethan looked out over the city. "You broke something. But you didn't break everything."
She looked at him. "What now?"
"We start small," Ethan said. "Dinner. Walks. A little honesty. And maybe one day… everything again."
Sophie's eyes filled. "I'll earn it. Every bit of it."
---
One month later, Ethan, Alina, Sophie, and Leo sat around a firepit in the backyard. Marshmallows toasted on sticks, laughter flowed freely, and for the first time in a long while—it felt like family again.
Alina leaned her head against Leo's shoulder and looked across at Sophie.
"You're one of us," she said softly.
Sophie looked back, eyes wide and full. "Thank you."