And Naomi felt something inside her crack open.

This wasn’t sickness.

This was fear taught slowly, carefully, over time.

The Moment the Silence Broke

The girl ate only half the bowl before tugging lightly at her father’s sleeve, signaling she was full. Jonathan nodded, guilt written across his face.

He reached for his wallet.

Naomi stopped him.

“Don’t worry about the bill,” she said quietly. “I just wanted her to feel okay.”

He stared at her, stunned.

Then something unexpected happened.

The girl slid down from her chair and walked straight to Naomi. She wrapped her arms tightly around her waist, clinging like she was afraid to let go.

Not a grateful hug.

A desperate one.

Naomi felt the child shaking. Then a warm breath near her chest.