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132
AURORA'S POV

Leo’s giggles burst through the air like bubbles popping in the sun. He sat cross-legged in the sandbox, tiny fingers digging through warm sand, face scrunched in fierce concentration. Cassian was crouched beside him, looking… relaxed. Almost natural.

“Dig deeper,” Cassian said, handing him the red shovel. “The treasure’s under there somewhere. I can feel it.” His voice was softer than I remembered. Like a whisper that forgot it used to be sharp.

Leo looked up with big eyes. “You think it’s dinosaur bones?” he asked. His face lit up like a firefly in a jar. Cassian chuckled and nodded like it was the most serious question ever.

“Might be,” he said, leaning in like they were sharing a secret. “Or dragon eggs. Only one way to know.” I stood a few steps away, arms crossed, unsure why I had not walked back to the house yet.

“You do not have to act like this,” I muttered. I had not meant to say it out loud, but it came out anyway. Cassian looked up at me, blinking like he heard something unexpected.

“I am not acting,” he said after a second. “This is me… trying.” His hands were still in the sand, his watch speckled with grains. “Not for show. Just for him.”

Leo let out a little squeal and waved his shovel. “I found gold!” he yelled. It was a bottle cap, dull and bent, but Cassian clapped like it was made of real treasure.

“Well done, explorer,” he said, brushing sand off Leo’s knee. “We have to protect it from pirates now.” His hand lingered on Leo’s shoulder. I felt something shift in my stomach.

“You never did this before,” I said quietly. “Back then… you never played with him. Never held him.” The words tasted bitter, but they came out clean. Too clean.

Cassian looked down at the sand. “I did not know,” he said. “I never got the chance to be this kind of father.” He said it like it hurt. Maybe it did. I did not answer.

“You say all the right things now,” I told him, crouching beside Leo. “But words are easy. You said sweet things before too. I remember what came after.”

“I know I have no right to ask you to believe me,” he said. “But I am here. I am not walking away this time.” I saw his hands curl into fists in the sand.

Leo tugged on his arm. “You want to bury your watch in the gold pit?” he asked, eyes wide. Cassian smiled like he had not heard anything heavy.

“Tempting,” he said. “But I think you would yell at me later.” Leo nodded very seriously and crossed his arms.

“You do not bury shiny things,” Leo said. “You keep them safe.” His voice was firm, like he was teaching a rule. Cassian’s eyes flicked to mine.

“You are right,” he told Leo, still looking at me. “Some things are meant to be kept safe.” I stood quickly, brushing my hands on my jeans.

“You need to stop saying stuff like that,” I said, turning toward the house. “It does not fix anything. And it makes everything harder.” My voice cracked on the last word.

Cassian said nothing. Just stood and followed a few steps behind me. The silence between us stretched too long. I hated how aware I was of it.

Inside, the smell of cinnamon hit me first. Mrs. Hill was baking something. Leo ran ahead, calling out for muffins like it was the best day ever.

Cassian touched my arm before I could step into the kitchen. “Let me take him for the afternoon,” he said, voice low. “You look like you need a break.”

“I do not,” I replied too fast. His hand dropped away. “You do not have to babysit to win points. He is not a prize you earn.”

“I am not trying to earn anything,” he said. “I just want to be with him. That is it. No plan. Just time.” He stepped back, giving me space.

“He is going to ask questions,” I said. “He always does. You better be ready for that.” Cassian nodded like he already knew.

“I will not lie,” he said. “I will be as honest as I can without hurting him. That is all I can promise.” I sighed, rubbing my temple.

“Fine,” I said. “Take him. Bring him back by dinner. No later.” My voice came out flat, but something behind my ribs thumped harder.

I leaned against the wall while he buckled Leo into the car seat. Their voices were low, but Leo’s giggles rang out loud enough to echo.

I saw Cassian look up once, eyes meeting mine through the window glass. He did not smile. He just looked… steady.

I did not wave. I just watched the car roll away. And I felt the house shrink around me like someone had pulled the walls in.

Inside, it was quiet. Too quiet. I picked up Leo’s stuffed fox off the rug and sat on the couch without really meaning to.

My phone buzzed with a message from Elias. Is Leo still coughing? Want me to stop by tomorrow? I read it twice before setting it down.

I was not ready for Elias. I was not ready for anyone, if I was honest. I curled up on the couch and stared at the ceiling.

The sun moved across the floor, and I watched it like it was a clock. I must have fallen asleep. I woke to the sound of the front door creaking open.

Footsteps. Small and quick. Then one heavier pair behind them. I sat up, heart beating too loud in my ears.

Leo’s voice came first. Bright and full of joy. “Mama, guess what I did with Dad today!”

I froze.

He had never said that word before.

“Dad.”

And just like that, my whole heart cracked open without warning.