Chapter 18

While heading back to the restaurant with Chloe perched on my hip and a grocery bag in my free hand, the late evening wind caressed my skin, bringing with it a subtle hint of sea salt and earth. The soreness in my legs served as a reminder of my achievements today, but it felt quite tolerable. In reality, it seemed deserved.

Chloe, full of wriggling energy and gentle laughter, pulled at the strap of my tank top. "Hold on, darling," I whispered, shifting her weight on my hip. She sensed she was more weighed down than she had been earlier today—or perhaps it was simply the type of fatigue that resulted from managing multiple small tasks by herself. Yet for the first time in ages, I didn't feel burdened. I sensed... competent.