CHAPTER 34 What Do You Think About Our New Friend

  IAN'S POV

  Lana looked shyly at me, clutching her stuffed animal to her chest. I knelt down to her level and smiled at her. "Hello, Lana," I said gently. "It's nice to meet you."

  Lana remained silent, her eyes fixed on me.

  After a moment, I reached out my hand to her. "Would you like to shake hands?" I asked.

  Lana hesitated, then slowly reached out her hand and placed it in mine. I gently shook it, then let go. "That was very brave of you," I said.

  A smile crept onto Lana's face, and she looked up at her mommy. "Can Ian be my friend too?" she asked.

  Leah's eyes widened and she looked at me, a hopeful expression on her face. "What do you think, Ian?" she asked.

  I could feel my heart swell at Lana's question. It was clear that she was still feeling shy, but she had taken the first step towards getting to know me.

  "I would be honored to be your friend, Lana," I said. "If that's okay with your mommy, of course."