Chapter 83: A Family’s Warmth

I didn't move. I didn't speak. I just stayed there, wrapped in my father's arms, my tiny fingers unconsciously clutching the fabric of his shirt. His embrace was trembling, as if he was afraid that the moment would slip away if he let go.

But he didn't hold me too tight.

He didn't make me feel trapped.

He just held me.

It felt… safe.

A strange warmth spread through me, different from the suffocating closeness I had once feared. This was something new—something comforting. And for the first time, I didn't feel the need to pull away.

The room was silent, except for the sound of unsteady breaths. I could feel the weight of their gazes, the emotions thick in the air.

Mama was kneeling beside me, her delicate fingers brushing gently through my hair. When I glanced up at her, my heart clenched. Tears shimmered in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks as she smiled—so soft, so full of love.

"You don't have to say anything, my love," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Just know that we love you."

I swallowed, my chest tightening.

I knew that. I had always known that.

They had told me a thousand times. They had shown me through their kindness, their patience, their unwavering presence.

But for the first time… I wanted to say it back.

My heart pounded in my ears as I slowly pulled away from Papa's embrace, just enough to look at them all—Mama, my sisters, my father.

They had always been here. Even when I was scared. Even when I pushed them away.

And still, they never stopped loving me.

I gripped the hem of Mama's dress tightly, gathering all the courage in my tiny body. Then, in a whisper so soft it barely filled the room, I said,

"…I love you too."

The moment the words left my lips, everything stopped.

For a heartbeat, no one moved. No one breathed.

Then, Mama gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as a sob escaped her lips. Tears ran freely down her face, but she didn't wipe them away. Her expression was pure, unfiltered joy.

My sisters let out a mix of excited squeals and choked sobs, and before I could even process what was happening, they lunged toward me.

Suddenly, I was surrounded—wrapped in warmth, their arms encircling me, their love crashing over me like a wave.

I could barely see past the sea of limbs and teary smiles, but I caught a glimpse of Papa, still kneeling on the floor. His face was buried in his hands, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. He looked as though he had waited a lifetime for this moment.

When he finally looked up, his eyes were red-rimmed, raw with emotion. His lips trembled, forming a shaky smile. "Noah…" His voice cracked, barely more than a breath. "You… you really mean that?"

I nodded slowly. "I do."

Papa let out a choked breath, as if those two words had lifted an unbearable weight off his chest. He wiped at his face hurriedly, but his smile only grew wider.

Mama couldn't hold back any longer. She cupped my cheeks, pressing soft, loving kisses all over my forehead. "Oh, my baby… my precious, precious boy…" Her voice was thick with love, each word wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

Sophia's hand rested gently on my head, her voice tender. "You don't know how long we've been waiting to hear that, little one."

Olivia wiped her tears dramatically, sniffing. "That's it. I'm never letting you go again."

Isabella exhaled a deep breath, the usual strong soldier of the family looking a little misty-eyed. She pulled me into a careful hug. "Welcome home, Noah."

Emily's mind was already working, her eyes shining with excitement. "This calls for a grand celebration."

Charlotte dabbed at her eyes with an elegant handkerchief, sniffling. "I should design something special for this occasion…"

Mia beamed, holding my hand in hers. "Noah, I swear, I'll sing you a song every day if it makes you happy."

Lily clapped her hands together, her voice full of certainty. "I knew you'd get here at your own pace. And we'll keep showing you just how much we love you."

I blinked, overwhelmed by their words, their love, their warmth.

And then, I giggled.

It was soft, barely a whisper of sound, but it was real. It was happy.

I looked at all of them, my heart full. This was my family.

And for the first time… I truly believed I belonged.