Serafina's POV

The next morning, Serafina sat cross-legged on her bed, the early sunlight streaming through her curtains. Her mind was still replaying the events of the night before—Aiden's quiet reassurance, the way he'd held her hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.

She exhaled deeply, her gaze dropping to the notebook in her lap. Words sprawled across the page, half-finished thoughts and sentences she couldn't bring herself to complete. Writing was supposed to help. That's what her therapist had said.

But this morning, the notebook only reminded her of how much she still didn't know how to express.

Her phone buzzed beside her, pulling her out of her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from Aiden.

Aiden❤️

Morning. How are you feeling?

Better. Thanks for last night.

Anytime. Let me know if you want to hang out today.

She hesitated before responding, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She did want to see him, but she wasn't sure if she was ready to open up more.

Her train of thought was interrupted by a knock at her door.

"Fina, may I come in?"

Her mother's voice was soft, hesitant.

"Yeah," Serafina called, quickly closing her notebook.

Isabella entered the room, a tray in her hands with breakfast—pancakes, fruit, and a steaming cup of tea.

"I thought you might like to eat up here this morning," her mother said, setting the tray down on the bedside table.

"Thanks, Mamma."

Isabella sat on the edge of the bed, studying her daughter with those sharp, perceptive eyes. "You seemed happier last night. Aiden has that effect on you, doesn't he?"

Serafina blushed, unable to meet her mother's gaze. "He's... he's a good friend."

"A very good friend," Isabella agreed, her tone light but knowing. "And yet, I think he means a little more to you than that."

"Mamma!"

"What?" Isabella teased gently. "I'm your mother. It's my job to notice these things."

Serafina sighed, fiddling with the edge of her blanket. "I don't know how to explain it. He makes me feel safe, like I can just be myself around him. But it's scary, too."

"Because you're afraid of getting hurt," Isabella said knowingly.

She nodded. "What if I mess everything up? What if he doesn't feel the same way?"

Her mother reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Then you take it one step at a time. You don't have to have all the answers right now, tesoro. Just let yourself feel what you feel and see where it takes you."

Serafina looked up at her, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. "I just don't want to lose him."

"You won't," Isabella said firmly. "Whatever happens, I have no doubt that Aiden will stand by you. He cares about you deeply, Serafina. That much is obvious."

Later that day, Serafina decided to take her mother's advice. She texted Aiden, asking if he wanted to meet up.

Aiden❤️

Do you want to go for a walk? I need some fresh air.

I'll be there in 15.

By the time Aiden arrived, Serafina was waiting outside, bundled up against the cool autumn breeze. He smiled as he approached, his hands shoved into his jacket pockets.

"Hey," he said.

"Hey," she replied, falling into step beside him as they started down the sidewalk.

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the sound of leaves crunching beneath their feet.

"How are you, really?" Aiden asked eventually, glancing over at her.

"I'm... better," she said honestly. "Last night helped. Talking to you helped."

"I'm glad," he said, his tone sincere. "You know you can always talk to me, right?"

She nodded, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. "I know. And I will. I promise."

They continued walking, the crisp air filling her lungs and easing some of the tension she hadn't realized she was holding.

For the first time in a long time, Serafina felt like she was moving forward. And with Aiden by her side, the journey didn't seem quite so daunting.