Forgive Me, My Love

Chapter 14: Saturday at the Park

Saturday. 10 AM. Park.

Damian was already there when Aria and Emma arrived.

He had a kite. And bubbles. And a picnic basket.

"Daddy!" Emma ran to him.

Damian caught her and spun her around. "Hey baby!"

Aria sat on the bench. Watching.

For 2 hours, Damian played with Emma. Kite flying. Bubbles. Piggyback rides.

Emma was laughing so hard.

"Can mommy play too?" Emma asked Damian.

Damian looked at Aria. "Wanna join us?"

Aria hesitated. Then stood up. "Fine. 10 minutes."

They played catch. The 3 of them.

For a moment, it felt normal. Like nothing ever happened.

Then Emma got tired. She fell asleep on the picnic blanket, between Aria and Damian.

The silence was comfortable.

"She looks like you," Damian said softly.

Aria nodded. "Everyone says that."

Damian looked at her. "Aria... I know I hurt you. But I'm trying. To be better. For her."

Aria didn't look at him. "I know."

Damian's heart skipped. "Is that... is that a good 'I know'?"

Aria finally looked at him. "It's a 'we'll see'."

Damian smiled. "I'll take it."

As the sun set, Aria picked up Emma. "We should go."

Damian helped her carry the stuff. "Same time next week?"

Aria nodded once.

Baby steps.