Abandoned

48

Morning sunlight spilled freely through the wide windows, filling the house with warmth and soft golden patches that stretched across the floor. The air felt different here, lighter, quieter, safe. The kind of space that invited exploration.

Sienna padded down the hallway on unsteady but confident feet, her laughter echoing as she went. She had woken up buzzing with energy, excitement practically humming beneath her skin. No hospital monitors. No unfamiliar voices. Just space.

So much space.

She stopped at the doorway to the spare room first, peeking in as if it might disappear if she looked too long. Sunlight hit the empty floor, and dust motes danced lazily in the air. Sienna stepped inside, turning in a slow circle, arms lifted slightly for balance.

"Wow," she breathed, one of her newer words, used sparingly but with feeling.

She toddled back out, curiosity already pulling her onward.

The bathroom came next. She pushed the door open with both hands, delighted by the way it swung wide. Her reflection caught her eye in the mirror, and she froze, staring at herself like she'd discovered another child entirely. She smiled.

The girl in the mirror smiled back.

Sienna squealed softly and reached out, pressing her palm against the cool glass. "Hi," she said, giggling at herself before wandering off again.

From the living room, Zareya watched quietly, leaning against the doorframe, heart full to the point it almost hurt. She didn't interrupt. Didn't guide. Just followed at a distance, letting Sienna claim the space at her own pace.

Sienna moved into the kitchen next, eyes wide as she took in the counters, the cupboards, the low shelf where her cups and snacks were already placed just for her. She tugged one cupboard open experimentally, then shut it again, pleased with herself.

"All done," she announced proudly, even though nothing had started.

Zareya smiled.

Then Sienna noticed the back door.

Glass. Light. Green.

She toddled toward it with determination, one hand steadying herself on the wall as she went. When she reached the door, she pressed her nose briefly to the glass, breath fogging it up.

Outside, the garden waited.

Zareya stepped forward. "Want to go outside, baby?"

Sienna turned, eyes shining. "Yes."

Zareya opened the door, and Sienna stepped out onto the patio, freezing for half a second as the breeze brushed against her face. Her curls lifted slightly, the scent of grass and earth and morning air wrapping around her.

Then she laughed.

A full, carefree sound that carried across the garden.

She toddled onto the grass, wobbling but determined, arms lifted as she explored the uneven ground. She crouched, fingers brushing over leaves, blades of grass tickling her palms. She picked up a small stick and waved it triumphantly.

"Look, Mama!" she called.

Zareya laughed, tears pricking her eyes as she followed. "I see you."

Sienna wandered the length of the garden, discovering flowers, a patch of dirt, a tree she immediately tried to hug. She stumbled once, landing on her bottom, then looked up, startled for just a moment.

Zareya held her breath.

Sienna grinned. "Uh oh," she said cheerfully, pushing herself back up.

Zareya let out a shaky laugh. "You're okay."