After the Doors Opened
Outside, reporters gathered.
Daniel placed his arm around Lila and walked past without responding to questions.
In the parking lot, he knelt before her.
“You were so brave,” he said quietly.
She gave a small shrug, almost shy.
“You always tell me to tell the truth,” she replied. “Even if my voice feels shaky.”
In that moment, Daniel understood something.
Protection didn’t flow only one way.
For years, he believed he was the one holding their world upright.
That day, she steadied it for him.
