Alina’s POV
And I had seen his actions: patience, attentiveness, and a willingness to participate without imposing. He was proving, through steady, repeated choices, that he could be trusted.
We spent the morning building a small fort with driftwood and shells. Leo insisted it be a castle with towers and secret passageways. Sebastian assisted quietly, allowing Leo’s imagination to guide the project while I observed.
The joy in their faces reminded me that healing often comes through subtle milestones: laughter, collaboration, creativity, and shared pride. These ordinary victories were more significant than any grand declaration could be.
By the afternoon, I had settled at the table with my paints, allowing colors to flow across the canvas, blues, golds, and the golden reflection of su
