“Oh, Zara!”
Maya rushed toward her the moment she appeared in the doorway, a small suitcase in hand and Victor just behind her, holding Lilly’s tiny fingers in his. The sight made Zara pause for a second hand in hand, they looked almost like a fragile little family trying to survive a storm.
Zara offered a faint smile, though her eyes still carried the weight of grief.
“I’m so sorry we had to come and burden you like this… to stay here so suddenly…”
“Zara, please,” Maya interrupted gently, pulling her into a warm hug. “It’s completely fine. I’m really glad you’re here. Victor told me everything.” She pulled back slightly, her voice softening. “And I’m truly sorry for your loss.”
The words settled heavily in the air.
“So please,” Maya continued, squeezing her hands reassuringly, “sta
