-Zayn-
As he left the office, the happiness I had felt just moments before dimmed slightly, replaced by the familiar weight of unresolved tension. I sighed, allowing my moment of joy with Elizabeth to flicker away.
Yet, even as shadows pooled in the corners of my mind, I found solace in the knowledge that I had made progress, just moments small enough to matter. Soon, the anticipation of our next meeting warmed me once more. I could invite her to the anniversary dinner and share my world. Perhaps there was a path to finding relief not just for my father and me but for my growing heart.
With that thought, I picked up the reports again, allowing the lingering traces of the daydream to strengthen me. I knew joy could be an anchor even in the darkest moments.
As I sank into my office cha
