“You have something better than a degree,” he told her, his voice steady. “You have empathy and a gift for connecting with people. That’s what matters.”
She looked at him, her eyes shining with a mix of gratitude and something deeper. It was a look that suggested a new chapter was beginning for all of them.
That evening, after Leo had finally fallen asleep, Michael and Natalie sat on the back patio. The summer air was warm, and the crickets were out in the yard. The silence between them was comfortable, the kind shared by people who understood each other.
“You saved my son,” Michael said softly, looking out at the lawn.
“And I think you might have saved me, too.” Natalie looked at him and reached out, resting her hand on his. “You just needed a reminder of what’s important, Michael. We all do sometimes.”
He squeezed her hand gently. “I’m glad you stayed. I hope you stay for a long time.”
She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. In that big, expensive house, the lights were finally on, and for the first time, it truly felt like a home.
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