Alexei’s heart raced within her chest as she weighed the risk of embracing her past. She glanced at Lilly and Max, both leaning forward, their expressions filled with hope and desperation.
“Can we hug you, Alexei?” Lilly asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Alexei took a deep breath, her thoughts swirling. “I... I don’t know.”
Max nodded, his eyes softening. “We just want the chance to show you how sorry we are. We’ve missed you.”
With a hesitant nod, she finally relented, extending her arms. Lilly rushed forward first, enveloping her in a fierce embrace, leaving Alexei momentarily awash in warmth. “Oh, Ana,” Lilly sobbed, “I’ve missed you so much!”
The scent of her mother’s perfume enveloped Alexei, evoking memories she had thought she’d buried. She squeezed Lilly back te
