And so the days went by.
The sun rose warmer each morning, painting over the remnants of the storm that had nearly broken them all. Kai’s fever faded, his strength gradually returning, though his movements remained slow and careful, as if afraid to disturb the fragile peace that now hung between him and the Curtis family.
Abigail had insisted on taking care of him during his recovery, quietly tending to his meals, checking his temperature, making sure he rested. And while Mrs. Curtis eventually softened, Mr. Curtis made no attempt to hide his disinterest. He spoke to Kai only when necessary as his constant reminder of the pain he’d caused.
Yet Kai accepted it all. Without complaint. Without excuse.
He kept his head bowed when Mr. Curtis entered the room, his words reduced to polite gra
