⁎𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔗𝔯𝔲𝔱𝔥 𝔇𝔬𝔢𝔰𝔫'𝔱 𝔍𝔲𝔰𝔱 𝔙𝔞𝔫𝔦𝔰𝔥⁎

𝕥𝕨𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕖𝕖 : 𝕀 𝕋𝕣𝕪 𝕋𝕠 𝕄𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕀𝕥 𝕋𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℕ𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥

She pulled away from him, wiping her cheeks. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be such a mess. You didn't ask for this."

Henry smiled at her. "No, it's okay. Sometimes we all just need someone to listen. And I'm glad I could be here for you." He glanced out the window at Alex and Rose, still playing together on the lawn. "You know, Billie, it's funny. When we first met, I thought you were this tough, unapproachable woman. But over time, I've seen a different side of you. A side that's vulnerable, caring, and deeply hurting. And you know what? It makes you more human, more relatable. It shows that you're not invincible, that you feel pain just like the rest of us."

Billie giggled, "We met like five hours ago."

Billie nodded, wiping her nose. "Yeah, I guess I am all those things. But it's hard, you know? To show that side to people. To let them see that you're not just some tough-as-nails woman who can handle anything." She glanced back out the window at Alex and Rose, now sitting on the grass, their heads bent together as they talked. "I guess they see something in me that I don't see in myself. Maybe it's because they're both going through the same thing. Or maybe it's just because they're good people."

"Mhm. And I think that's a good thing," Henry replied. "To have people around you who see the real you, the one that's hidden beneath the tough exterior. It's important to have those people in your life, people who understand what you're going through and can offer support when you need it." He paused, glancing out the window again at the two children playing on the lawn. "I guess I'm lucky to have found that in you, Billie. You're the first person since. . . well, since before. . . who really seems to get me."

"Oh please don't thank me. You're a great friend too, Henry. It's so nice to have someone to talk to, someone who listens, you know?" She sighed again, this time more contentedly.

Rose and Alex came running from outside, both breathless and laughing. "You guys look what me and Alex made! It's a birdhouse!" Rose exclaimed, showing them a small wooden birdhouse painted in bright colors. "We wanted to make something nice for your garden, so we thought this would be perfect!" Alex squealed.

"Oh my God, you two, this is amazing!" Billie gushed, rushing over to hug them both. "Thank you so much!"

Alex giggled and yawned. "Rose's mom can I stay here today? You know? A sleepover!"

Billie smiled, her eyes glistening. "Of course, sweetheart. You can stay as long as you want." She glanced at Alex's father, who smiled back, giving a nod of approval.

"I can pick them up after school tomorrow, won't you be busy with work and stuff Billie?" Henry asked.

"No, I should be free by then. You don't need to do that." Billie insisted.

"It's alright, really. I don't mind. I'm just glad I can help out," Henry replied, his expression softening as he looked at Alex and Rose playing together. He glanced over at Billie and smiled.

"Oh wait isn't the daddy daughter dance today? At 8 p.m.?" Henry asked.

"Yeah but I'm not going. I- I have no one to go with." Rose answered, looking down at the ground.

"What? Of course not. You have to go darling. Would you like me to take you?" Billie asked, her voice full of concern. "You can bring a friend if you want. We could even find someone for you to dance with. There's plenty of people at the school who would love to take you."

"Billie, it's a 'Daddy Daughter Dance'. Why ask some random people when I'm right here. I can take her. No worries. I'll be her dance partner tonight." Henry insisted, looking at Rose with a reassuring smile. He then turned to Alex and added, "And you, my little buddy, you can stay here tonight."