He didn't say anything at first. He simply looked at her, that thoughtful gaze resting on her face as if he was memorizing every flicker of emotion there. Then, in a calm, almost careful voice, he asked, "Aren't you going to properly introduce me to your mom?"
Alina's heart skipped so hard it felt like it struck her ribs. She nodded quickly, excitement and nervousness tangling together in her chest until her palms felt warm. "Sure… let's go," she said softly, reaching for his hand without even realizing it. Her fingers curled around his, grounding herself, and she led him down the hallway toward the room she hadn't dared to approach too fast.
She stopped outside the door, her breath catching. Is she awake? Or sleeping? Her hand hovered in the air for a second as she gathered herself, then she knocked gently.
Knock.
Knock.
The door was locked, but a weak voice floated through from inside. "It's open… come in."
