Chapter 13 - THE FIRST NIGHT WITHOUT SIRENS
Mateo continued therapy.
He worked with Dr. Shah to address the trauma that had followed Elias's death.
Some nights were still difficult.
Some sounds still startled him.
But the panic no longer controlled every moment.
He learned to recognize when he was overwhelmed.
To ask for help.
To rest.
And to stop treating exhaustion as proof of strength.
One evening, Mara invited him to dinner.
At her small house.
Ruby insisted on helping cook.
The meal was chaotic.
There was flour on the counter.
A burned loaf of bread.
And a disagreement about whether carrots belonged in soup.
Mateo laughed more that evening than he had in three years.
After dinner, Ruby fell asleep on the sofa.
Mara covered her with a blanket.
Mateo watched.
"She's extraordinary."
Mara smiled.
"She's eight."
He nodded.
"That too."
They sat quietly.
Then Mateo said:
"I think I'm falling in love with you."
Mara looked at him.
He continued.
"I don't expect you to answer."
She smiled faintly.
"Good."
He laughed nervously.
"Good?"
"Because I'm still figuring it out."
Mateo nodded.
"Take your time."
She looked at him.
"You're learning patience."
He smiled.
"Ruby's an excellent teacher."
Mara laughed.
Then reached for his hand.
May you like
And Mateo realized he was no longer afraid of silence.
Because this silence felt safe.
