After spending what felt like a long but warm stretch of time together, Uric finally returned to them, informing Leon that a single seat had opened up for the famous meatball pastries.
Liv took her seat calmly, folding her hands neatly in her lap as she waited for their order. Her eyes sparkled with a childlike excitement that Leon rarely saw these days. There was something about the cozy shop, the scent of steaming broth, the clatter of plates, the soft chatter of people, that made her seem more alive.
"You look incredibly happy just sitting there," Leon said, watching her with a faint smile.
"I'm going to eat meatball pastries today!" Liv declared suddenly, her voice bright, yet her eyes flickered as though she were holding something back. "Food like this… always makes me miss Father."
She lowered her gaze, shifting her attention away, as if trying to push back the memories that rose too quickly.
