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    Liam’s POV


    There was another long silence. I never attempted to fill it. I desired to provide her with the opportunity to unwind and gather herself.


    She finally gave a soft, “thank you, Liam. For taking care of him. For making himugh today.”


    Closing my eyes I cracked a smile, “that was all I really wanted. My responsibility.”


    The kitchen clock was amidst the sound. I barely noticed the scent of cooking in ce while the stove was still on. It was all about the other thing, her voice at the opposite end of the line.


    We didn’t talk for long. She stated that she had to return to work within minutes. Even though she didn’t catch my gaze, I still nodded.


    “All right. Take care of yourself, Sienna.”


    The call ended.


    I gazed at the phone screen briefly before exhaling deeply. Relief, but there was also a deep longing for. Yet, tonight I knew she had heard me and hers.. That was enough to lighten the world’s mood.


    Back to the stove, I retrieved the spoon and began stirring the food that was almost ready. It was quite tasty. As I whispered, “I’ll have dinner with you again someday, a small smile spread across my face. You, me, and Noah.”


    While turning off the stove, I could smell all the food in there. On the table, a small pot was set up to serve soup, and simple side dishes were neatly ced on tes. Despite the fact that only Noah and I would be eating dinner tonight, it was delightful to see everything put together so perfectly, as if the house were truly alive.


    After washing my hands on a kitchen towel, I ventured into bed and headed straight for the bedroom. The bed felt too wide while I hung my phone on the nightstand. What could it have done? The feeling of emptiness was evident near me tonight.


    The wardrobe was opened as I sighed. Why? The shirt I had on all day was taken off, reced with a thin T–shirt andfortable lounge pants. Change had the effect of letting loose part of my weight loss day.


    I saw myself in a big mirror situated in the corner. There was some mess in my hair and there were faint shadows under my eyes, indicating that I must be fatigued. I left shaking my head and headed straight for the bathroom.


    The first thing I noticed when cold water touched my face was that I felt fresh. Then I bent forward, and the stream trickled down my head shoulders with a twist. The weariness of the day, ying with Noah, making meals, and longing for her, seemed to wash away with the water.


    After a brief moment, I prepared to dry my face with tucked–in towels before the sink. The coolness of the night air against my damp skin caused me to shiver, but I felt moreposed. I always found the quietness that nighttime showers brought, which allowed me to think clearly.


    I inspected my reflection once more. The reflection that looked back at him was softer. No professional facade orposure required, only my father’s perspective on the true meaning of persevering. It was a difficult journey


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    for me to understand.


    Upon disrobing, I returned to the living room. It was a peaceful environment with minimal light. Noah’s room. emitted only faint sounds of his snoozing, which always had a melodious beat that soothed my sleep.


    Having pulled over, I opened the door briefly to peek inside and checked that his nket was still firm enough to cover him. A tireless protector, the little robot in red, was resting on his chest. The door was closed with a smile on my face.


    The phone was on the table in the living room, and I sat down on it. Sienna’s name was still mentioned in the recent calls. For a prolonged duration, I didn’t even make eye contact with it. Her voice remained in my ears, tender yet delicate; menacing but truthful. I could hear her still.


    I opened the photo gallery after picking up the phone. I had almost forgotten about the old pictures that appeared. While Siennah wiped off the birthday cake from Noah’s cheeks withughter, I was behind the camera and captured the photo. Our entire little world was enveloped in a simple image.


    The picture stuck in my mind for a while.


    “Let’s start over here, without any lies or barriers.” I whispered softly, almost like a prayer from within me.


    Although the clock on the wall showed nearly ten at night, I wasn’t tired yet. As I made my way to the balcony, I opened the ss door and breathed in the sea breeze. Waves in the distance mmed into the shore. I leaned towards the railing, watching the twinkling city lights.


    Noah’s growth was elerating, and that was the only ce I could think of. To Siennda who was gradually gaining her bravery to return. To myself, who was finally able to grasp the meaning of forgiveness without any forgetfulness.


    There was no discussion,ughter, or tears left tonight, only aplete silence. I recognized that there was still much to consider tomorrow. Despite my initial heavy heartburn, it was the first time in years.


    My eyes directed towards the brightest star, and I wore only a slight smile.


    “Good evening, Sienna.” I said quietly. “I want you to sleep well again tonight.”


    Following that I switched off the light in the living room and walked back to my room, walking slowly.


    When Iid down on the pillow, myst thought remained with her.


    The feeling of being back at home and the hope of experiencing it again in the future.


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