The words landed lightly, but her smile didn't. It was bright. Free in a way he hadn't seen on her in a while.
Don blinked once.
Then he stood.
The movement closed the space between them in two steps. He towered over her without meaning to, the top of her head barely reaching his chin as his arms came around her.
"Wow," he said, pulling her in. "Congratulations, mom."
She made a small sound against his chest and hugged him back, arms wrapping tight around his back, fingers bunching into the fabric of his vest. "It felt so good," she murmured. "Actually handing in that letter."
They stayed that way a moment. Her cheek pressed warm against him. Her breath slow. Grounded.
When they drew apart, they didn't really step away. Just enough to see each other.
Her eyes were bright. A little disbelieving. "Can you believe the director tried to convince me to stay by offering a salary increase? Nearly double."
