"So," I said quietly, leaning forward a bit. "How are you holding up?"
Cora shrugged, eyes darting briefly to a group nearby before returning to her mug. "Nervous," she admitted. "But… not in a bad way. I think."
"That's progress," I said.
She nodded, then glanced at Esme. "You?"
Esme's head dipped slightly, then lifted just enough for her to nod once. No words. Just confirmation that she was still technically awake.
I chuckled under my breath and leaned back in my chair.
This was good. Really good. No pressure, no expectations—just getting them out, letting them exist somewhere new. Especially Cora. She was quiet, but she wasn't shrinking. That alone felt like a win.
I took another sip. Cora followed suit, taking a careful, shy drink of her mocha. Esme lifted her teacup with both hands, sipped, and immediately looked like she might pass out right there.
