CHAPTER 7 — Learning to Stay

Miles doesn’t trust easily.
Doesn’t forgive quickly.
He sits far away in hospital rooms.
But slowly—
He stops leaving the jacket behind.
He eats the food.
He listens when Graham speaks.
Clara wakes.
Asks for Miles first.
Then Graham.
And something fragile begins.
A house is chosen.
Not too big. Not too expensive.
May you like
Just right.
A place without gates.