Minutes passed, stretching like an eternity, until the door finally swung open. Ava emerged, her eyes locking onto Bryan's in an instant. Relief flooded her face, and without a word, she dashed towards him.
" Bryan! " Her voice carried a mixture of relief and joy as she wrapped her arms tightly around him. His surprise melted into a smile, and instinctively, he embraced her, enveloping her in a comforting hold.
" Are you alright? " Bryan's voice was gentle, filled with concern as he held her close.
Ava sniffed and nodded against his chest, her voice muffled, " Yeah, I'm okay now. Thank you for waiting. "
" Always. I was worried, " he murmured, his fingers gently caressing her back.
" I'm sorry for the way I acted back there, " She said quietly as she withdrew from the hug.
Her eyes
