“I’ll think about it,” she said slowly, leaving the door slightly ajar but not fully open. It was more than she had intended to offer, but perhaps it was a start.

For the first time in years, Miles felt a flicker of hope in his chest. He had no illusions of immediate forgiveness or swift acceptance, but he was willing to wait, to prove himself worthy of the chance she was giving him.

As they sat together on the bench, beneath the shade of old trees and