Lina, refraining from pressing for details, simply cradled Laura's hair and reassured her softly, "You are wonderful, just as you are."

With a hint of concern, Laura murmured, "Please don't tell Dad."

“I won't," Lina promised, her voice a quilt of warmth.

"Your father, well, age hasn't tempered his impulsiveness. He's not the gentle young man I once knew."

A small smile found its way to Laura's lips.