The morning sunlight came soft through the little studio windows, scattering warmth over the wooden floors. Arielle moved quietly around the room, brushing off a few stray art supplies and folding aprons for the children. The coastal town was peaceful, the sound of the waves faint but constant in the distance, a rhythm that had grown comfortable over the past months. She liked mornings like this. Simple, calm, predictable.
Kairo stepped into the studio doorway, pausing for a moment to watch her. He didn’t say anything at first, just stood there, letting her presence fill the space. Arielle felt the familiar flutter in her chest but did not turn around. She kept working, sorting paints and brushes.
“You’ve done well here,” he said finally, his voice low. “The kids… they’re happy. You’ve m
