“You don’t look fine.”
Before Elena could respond, the girl extended the paper bag toward her.
“This is for you.”
Elena hesitated.
“What’s in it?” she asked gently.
“Cookies,” the girl said proudly. “Daddy bought them for me. But you look hungry.”
Elena’s heart tightened.
Behind the girl, a man stood several feet away. He was tall, bundled in a wool coat, watching quietly but not interrupting.
Elena slowly accepted the bag.
Warmth radiated through the thin paper.
When she opened it, the smell hit her instantly—fresh butter and sugar.
Chocolate chip cookies.
Still warm.
Her throat tightened, and tears burned in her eyes.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
She took a small bite.
The sweetness flooded her senses, and for a moment she closed her eyes, letting the warmth spread through her.
When she looked up again, the little girl was still staring at her.
But now there was something thoughtful in her expression.
