"Mother…" Charlotte turned, and the moment she did, Elena stepped forward and pulled her into a warm hug.
The embrace came suddenly, but it was gentle and full of affection.
Charlotte blinked in slight surprise at first, then slowly relaxed, her arms lifting just a little as she returned it.
Elena held her for a brief moment longer than usual, as if she simply felt like it, before finally pulling back.
"Did you sleep well?"
Elena asked with a bright smile.
Her face looked lively, and there was a clear glow in her expression, something soft and warm that had been there for quite some time now.
"Yeah…" Charlotte nodded lightly, her voice quiet as her eyes rested on her mother.
She noticed it again… that happiness. It was not just for today.
For the past month, Elena had been like this, brighter, lighter, almost glowing from the inside.
It made sense though.
