LEAH
As I pulled away from Sarah’s hug, I couldn’t help but linger for just a second longer, cupping her face in my hands. Her skin felt warm, alive, and fragile under my fingertips.
And then I remembered her voice, she called out to me earlier, making her presence known. Sarah called out my name, she actually did.
“You talked,” I whispered, my heart stumbling over the realization. “You… you called my name. How?”
Her lips quivered in a faint, uncertain smile as she raised her hands to sign. *It just came out. I don’t think I have control yet.*
I took a deep breath, trying to process everything—her voice, her words, the way hope seemed to flicker in her eyes like it had not been in years.
“It’s okay,” I said, forcing steadiness into my tone. “You have already done the hardest part, Sa
