[Hazel]
"Dad," I said, barely believing the word as it left my mouth.
Without thinking, I rushed into his arms, feeling his familiar warmth wrap around me.
It had been years—too many—since I last hugged him. But the moment I stepped into his arms, the tension in my chest melted. Just feeling the steady beat of his heart against mine was enough to undo the years of distance, the silent anger, the aching absence. All of it seemed to dissolve into the quiet simplicity of that embrace. No words were needed. Just… a hug.
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Inside the apartment, Elijah had quietly excused himself to check the door.
I heard the soft click and creak as he inspected the hinges, running his hand along the new wood, testing the lock a few times with careful precision. His voice floated from the entryway,
