“Clara,” he said gently.
Everything changed in an instant. She turned to him, her eyes sharpening as recognition flickered to life. Something inside her reignited. Slowly, she stood.
“Henry?” she whispered, her voice fragile but full of emotion.
He nodded, his own eyes glistening with tears. “It’s me, Clara.”
Tears streamed down her face as she took a cautious step toward him. “You came.”
“I never stopped waiting,” Henry said, his voice thick with emotion.
I watched them, emotions swirling inside me—joy, sadness, relief—all blending together. This was their moment, but in a way, it was mine too.
I glanced at Mark, who stood a few steps behind with his hands tucked into his pockets. His usual stern expression had softened, revealing a rare glimpse of vulnerability.
“I’m really glad you came,” I said softly.
He gave a small nod, staying quiet. His gaze lingered on my mother and Henry, and for the first time, I saw something in his eyes—regret.
Outside, snow began to fall gently, covering the world in a peaceful, white hush.
“Why don’t we keep this going?” I suggested, breaking the silence. “It’s Christmas. How about we get some hot cocoa and watch a holiday movie? Together.”
Henry’s eyes lit up with gratitude. Mark hesitated, then finally spoke.
“That sounds… nice,” he admitted, his voice softer than I’d ever heard it.
That day, four lives came together in ways none of us expected. A story that had been waiting for an ending finally found something even better—a new beginning.