Aria pushed open the garden gate with trembling hands, grateful to be back in her sanctuary. The familiar smells of herbs and earth usually calmed her, but today they couldn't quite reach the hurt sitting heavy in her chest.
She sank down onto her blanket, not even bothering to check on her plants. Her arms were still shaking slightly from dangling from that branch, but that wasn't what made her want to cry. It was the feeling of being less than. Of not measuring up.
Cassidy found her there twenty minutes later, sitting in the growing dusk with her knees pulled to her chest.
"Little one?" Cassidy's voice was gentle as she lowered herself to sit beside Aria. "What happened?"
Aria shook her head, not trusting herself to speak without crying.
Cassidy waited, patient as always. She didn't push or pry, just sat there offering quiet support. Finally, Aria's words came tumbling out.
