Daniel’s eyes flicked to the headstone, and then to Lucas. His smile faltered slightly—almost imperceptibly—as he took in the boy’s features. The red hair. The freckled skin. Something behind his eyes shifted. Recognition? Memory? It passed quickly. “You’re Lucas?” he asked gently. Lucas nodded, suddenly unsure of himself. “Yeah.”
Daniel paused. “I’m sorry for your loss. Your mom… she was a remarkable person.” Lucas’s chest tightened. “You knew her well?” “We were close,” Daniel said, keeping his tone even. “A long time ago. Before she moved. Before… everything.” Lucas didn’t know what else to say. The silence stretched for a moment before Emilia shifted beside him, brushing a curl from her face.