Chapter 77: A Gentle Thread of Trust

I woke up wrapped in warmth, my tiny fingers gripping the soft fabric of Mama's dress. Her arms were still securely around me, as if she had never let go, even in sleep. The rhythmic rise and fall of her breathing comforted me, a silent promise that she was still here, still holding me, still keeping me safe.

I blinked, the golden morning light filtering through the curtains. The memories of last night drifted back—my father sitting close, his hands carefully fitting puzzle pieces together. And me… I had placed a piece beside his. It had been small, barely anything. But for some reason, my heart hadn't felt as heavy afterward.

I stayed quiet as Mama stirred, her lips pressing gently against my forehead. "Good morning, my love," she whispered, her voice still soft with sleep.

I mumbled something into her dress, unwilling to move just yet. She only chuckled, stroking my hair with gentle fingers, never rushing me. But soon, the sounds of my sisters filled the halls, their voices excited, energetic. Something about an amusement park.

I peeked up at Mama. She was smiling. "Would you like to go, sweetheart?"

Amusement parks were loud. Crowded. But this was different—it was private, just for us. Just for me. No strangers. No fear. Only the people who made me feel safe.

I gave a tiny nod.

That was all it took for the house to burst into motion. My sisters were buzzing with excitement, Charlotte already talking about matching outfits, Olivia promising to win me every prize, Mia saying she'd sing for me on the way. Mama carried me to the dining hall, where breakfast was waiting. And there, sitting at the table, was my father.

He looked up when we entered, but he didn't say anything. He didn't move too fast, didn't force a smile too wide. Just watched.

I sat between Mama and Sophia, my safe places. But as I ate, I noticed something. I wasn't as tense today. My shoulders weren't so stiff. And when my father reached for the glass of water in front of him, my hands didn't automatically curl into fists under the table.

I wasn't sure what that meant.

**

The amusement park was breathtaking.

Bright lights, colorful rides, the scent of sweet treats in the air. Everything was perfect. My sisters were already making plans—Sophia wanted to take me on a gentle carousel, while Isabella pointed at the bumper cars, saying she'd drive with me. Charlotte was talking about photo booths, and Emily kept mumbling about the physics of the roller coasters.

And then there was my father, standing a little behind them, watching.

I wasn't sure why I kept noticing him today. Maybe it was because, for once, he wasn't trying too hard. He wasn't pushing, wasn't demanding my attention. He was just… there. Waiting.

The first few rides were easy. The carousel, the small train ride, the soft swings. Always with Mama or one of my sisters by my side. But then we reached the spinning teacups, and I hesitated.

It looked fun. But also… a little scary.

I felt my hand twitch. Mama noticed immediately, crouching beside me, her voice warm. "You don't have to, sweetheart. Only if you want to."

I wanted to. But my feet wouldn't move.

Then, a hand entered my vision. Not grabbing, not pulling—just waiting.

I followed the arm up, up, until I met my father's face. He wasn't smiling too much, wasn't forcing anything. Just offering.

My fingers curled into my sleeve. My heart pounded in my chest. I could feel everyone watching, waiting. But they didn't say anything. No pressure. No expectations.

I stared at his hand for a long moment. Then, slowly—very, very slowly—I lifted mine. Not to take his. Not yet. But just… closer. A few inches.

That was all. But it was enough.

His eyes softened, and instead of looking disappointed, he just nodded. Like he understood. Like he knew I needed time.

Mama exhaled quietly, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. My sisters smiled, exchanging glances but saying nothing. They let me decide for myself.

The moment passed, and I stepped back toward Mama. I wasn't ready. But maybe… one day.

The rest of the day was filled with laughter, warmth, and endless spoiling. I played, I smiled, I let myself feel happy. And even when my father was near, I didn't feel as afraid. Not as much as before.

Maybe… just maybe… something was changing.

And for now, that was enough.