The shed smelled faintly of straw and freshly washed linens, with a touch of lavender that Grandma Lan liked to sprinkle near the little bed. The warm light of the setting sun filtered through the tiny window, casting golden streaks across the wooden walls.
Inside, Alexander found Grandma Lan perched on the edge of the little bed, a well-worn book open in her lap. Beside her lay Tori, newly bathed and dressed in one of Tanya’s old tunics, which hung loosely on her tiny frame.
She held a glass of milk in her small hands, her legs dangling just above the floor.
Alexander hesitated in the doorway, surprised by the sight of them. A lump formed in his throat, but he swallowed it down, forcing a smile as he stepped inside.
"Alex, there you are!" Grandma Lan said warmly, looking up from her b
