She stirred slightly, letting out a small sigh before drifting deeper into sleep. James stood there for a long time, silent, tears slipping down his cheeks. When he turned, Emily was in the doorway, watching him. He met her gaze, eyes swollen and raw. “Thank you,” he murmured. “For what?” she asked quietly. “For letting me try again.”
Emily’s expression softened just a little, not forgiveness yet, but something close enough to build on. Downstairs, the rain eased into a steady rhythm against the windows, the sound calm and rhythmic. For the first time in weeks, the house didn’t feel broken. It felt like a beginning.