Rowan kept his arms around Isla for a long moment, letting her cry quietly against his chest. When her shoulders finally stopped shaking, he pulled back just enough to look at her face. His thumbs gently wiped away the tears on her cheeks.
“I know it’s a lot,” he said softly. “But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Let me show you.”
Isla sniffled, nodding hesitantly. “Okay… but I’m scared.”
Rowan smiled — small, reassuring. “That’s normal. Come on.”
He took her hand and led her to the center of the room where the moonlight formed a bright silver circle on the wooden floor. He sat down cross-legged and gently pulled her down to sit facing him, their knees almost touching.
“Close your eyes,” he said.
Isla did as he asked, though her hands were still trembling in her lap.
“Feel the
