Rowena stood as well. “I never wanted to hurt you,” she said. Ashley nodded. “I know,” she replied, realizing she meant it. The understanding didn’t erase the pain, but it gave it shape, something human instead of imagined.
When they opened the door, the waiting room quieted. No explanations were offered. The ceremony resumed without spectacle, without whispers. Only a subtle shift remained, invisible to anyone who hadn’t been in that room.