The forest road had long since grown quiet, the sounds of horses and wheels had finally stilled for the night. The caravan had stopped at a small rest point, nothing more than a wide clearing off the trail, but the merchant had set up a modest camp with a canvas tarp, a crackling fire, and space enough for the merchants and adventurers to rest.
Liora sat beside the fire, legs folded, her eyes flickering with the dancing flames. Tessa sat nearby, her boots off and sword resting beside her, chin on her knees.
"I forgot how long the road can feel," Tessa said, breaking the stillness.
Liora gave a faint smile. "It always feels longer the first day."
They sat in silence for a while, letting the fire speak for them. Then Tessa looked over.
"Do you think we did the right thing? Leaving Aria for two whole days?"
Liora's brow softened. "It's not easy. But… we're doing this to provide for her. And Mia's already proving she's capable."
Tessa nodded slowly. "She's nice. I think Aria likes her already."
Liora glanced at the stars above, her voice softer now. "This is the second time since I found Aria that I've left her for more than a few hours. Feels strange. Like I left part of myself behind."
Tessa looked at her quietly for a moment. "You didn't leave her behind. You gave her space to grow, even if just a little. That's… kind of what moms do, right?"
Liora smiled at that, her gaze returning to the fire. "Maybe it is."
Then Tessa added, voice low and thoughtful, "And you're really good at being one."
For a moment, Liora didn't speak. But she reached over and gently patted Tessa's shoulder.
"Thank you."
The Next Morning… Back in the Village
Sunlight poured through the open window of the house, casting a soft glow over the living room. Mia blinked awake on the floor mat beside the hearth, Aria still curled up under a blanket nearby, hair tousled and the star pin half-fallen from her braid.
Mia sat up slowly, yawning and stretching.
As if on cue, Aria stirred and rubbed her eyes. "Mmm… Is Liora back yet?"
"Not yet," Mia said gently. "But we've got a whole new day. Want to have pancakes for breakfast?"
Aria perked up instantly. "With honey?"
"With extra honey."
They made a cheerful mess in the kitchen, flour in Aria's hair, a sticky spoon incident, and one lopsided pancake that Aria declared was shaped like a dragon. After breakfast, Mia pulled out the alphabet board again.
"Think we can spell dragon today?" she teased.
"I'm gonna spell 'star' too," Aria grinned. "Like my pin!"
Mia smiled, touched by the girl's bright spirit. She had only just met Aria, but it already felt like she had stepped into something special.
And tomorrow, she knew, her world might feel a little smaller again, once the ones Aria loved returned home.
But for today, she would hold this space with care.