Episode 60: Quiet Gratitude

It’s late.

Quiet.

Safe.

Diana is reading.

Of course she is.

“…Diana.”

She doesn’t look up.

“…Yes?”

I hesitate.

Unusual.

“…Thank you.”

That gets her attention.

The book lowers slightly.

“…For?”

“…Everything.”

I don’t elaborate.

I don’t need to.

The teachers.

The therapists.

The past.

All of it.

She studies me.

Carefully.

Then—

She stands.

Crosses the room.

And pulls me into a hug.

Not sudden.

Not overwhelming.

Controlled.

Deliberate.

Her hand rests at the back of my head.

Holding me there.

“…You’re welcome,” she says softly.

I don’t move.

I don’t need to.

“…You did well,” she adds.

Pause.

“…Stay like this for a moment.”

“…Okay.”

Her grip tightens slightly.

Not restrictive.

Grounding.

And for once—

There’s nothing to analyze.

Nothing to avoid.

Just… this.