The morning sun felt like a miracle on Elena's skin.
She stood in the garden, breathing in the scent of roses and jasmine, feeling the warmth seep into her bones. The French toast sat heavy and sweet in her stomach, the first real meal she'd enjoyed in days. Adrian kept a respectful distance, leaning against a stone pillar, watching her with those careful, observant eyes.
Elena walked slowly along the cobblestone path, trailing her fingers over the rose bushes. Their petals were soft, delicate. Beautiful things that bloomed even when the world felt cruel.
"I never thought sitting in a garden would make me feel so happy," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She stopped, staring at the fountain in the center of the garden. "Isn't that strange? Something so simple. So ordinary."
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