Chapter 13 - THE FIRST DATE WITHOUT BODYGUARDS
Sophia's rehabilitation continued.
Some days she walked short distances with assistance.
Other days she used her wheelchair.
Her doctors emphasized that both were valid ways of moving through the world.
Sophia gradually became more confident.
She learned to recognize when she needed rest.
She began enjoying activities she'd avoided for years.
And she stopped measuring every day by how many steps she'd taken.
One afternoon, she asked me a question.
"Daddy, do you like Hannah?"
I smiled.
"Of course."
"No."
Sophia rolled her eyes.
"Like like."
I nearly choked on my coffee.
"Where did you learn that?"
"School."
I laughed.
Sophia grinned.
"She likes you too."
I shook my head.
"That's not something you can decide for her."
Sophia considered.
"Then ask her."
I smiled.
"Maybe I will."
A week later, I invited Hannah to dinner.
She hesitated.
"Luca, your life is complicated."
"I know."
"And I don't want Sophia to think she has to bring us together."
"Neither do I."
Hannah studied me.
"Then we take things slowly."
I nodded.
"Coffee?"
She smiled.
"Coffee."
We met at a small café near the lake.
No bodyguards at the table.
No expensive gifts.
No expectations.
Just two people talking.
May you like
And for the first time in years, I felt something unfamiliar.
Peace.
