They left Lorrylne's house quietly, the night fully settled, the street washed in soft amber light. Zane drove with care, one hand steady on the wheel, the other resting briefly on Willow's knee as if to reassure himself she was still there.
Zana slept deeply in the back seat, her small chest rising and falling in an even rhythm. The faint sound of her breathing filled the car, grounding everything else. Willow watched her through the mirror for a moment before turning her gaze forward again. The drive felt different from the ones before, no longer heavy or suspended, but moving steadily forward.
When they reached home, Zane carried Zana inside without waking her, his movements instinctive and practiced. Willow followed, switching on only the smallest light, the house responding to them with familiar silence.
