"And Felix is doing very well," she said, her voice a little brighter now, proud in a quiet way. "He is very responsible. He doesn't talk much, but when he does, it matters. And he is very kind to his classmates, even when he pretends he doesn't care."
Felix immediately looked away, his tails flicking in embarrassed protest.
Alina smiled a little wider at that, then looked back at Aine, her expression sincere.
"And you look beautiful today," she added simply, without exaggeration, just honest admiration. "But I think… even if you came in simple clothes, he would still be proud to stand next to you."
For a second, she worried she had said too much, and she tucked a small strand of hair behind her ear, her cheeks faintly pink.
"Please," she said gently, gesturing toward the table, "come, sit comfortably. We'll start soon, and I promise, today is not scary. Just conversation, and sharing how wonderful your children are."
