A Taste of Hope

The dining room was warm, filled with the gentle sound of silverware against plates. Candles flickered on the table, throwing dancing shadows on the walls. Steam rose from bowls of soup, and the smell of fresh bread made the air feel cozy and safe.

Willa sat between Sylvie and Sadie, her posture more relaxed than it had been in months. She had put on a little weight in the past three days, and her