Tessy's sobs eventually reduced, her cries now no longer sharp and piercing but reduced to soft whimpers, like the fading rustle of leaves after a storm. Her entire body trembled slightly, as if her bones had absorbed the sorrow and refused to let it go. Her cheeks were flushed from the force of her tears, her eyes swollen and pink. Her lashes stuck together from the wetness, and her lips trembled with unspoken grief.
But Roman didn't let her go.
He remained with her, arms still tightly wrapped around her petite frame, as if releasing her would mean she'd fall apart again, shattering into too many pieces for him to gather. Without a word, he gently lifted her off the ground, holding her close as though she weighed nothing. She didn't resist, merely pressed her face deeper against his chest, her hands curled weakly into the fabric of his shirt.
