Gianna.
The welcome felt overwhelming in a way I couldn’t explain.
Smiles came from every direction, warm hands brushing my arms, voices greeting me like I already belonged. I nodded, smiled back, murmured polite responses, but my shoulders stayed slightly drawn inward, like my body didn’t fully trust the warmth yet.
When I finally reached my room and closed the door behind me, I rested my forehead against it for a brief second.
Quiet.
I turned around and took in the space. Sunlight filtered through the window, dust drifting lazily in the air. The bed looked untouched, the room simple but inviting. Safe.
I set my bag down and began unpacking slowly, folding clothes with deliberate care. The repetitive motion calmed me. Each folded shirt felt like reclaiming a small piece of control.
