As the final light settled across the bookstore, Billy took a slow step back, lifted his phone, and snapped the photo.
One single frame.
It captured everything—the tall wooden shelves, the warmth in the lighting, the soft reds and blues of the armchairs, the polished gleam of the piano in the corner.
The space looked like something out of a dream.
But more than that, it looked lived-in. Ready. Loved.
He opened the chat and typed nothing at first.
Just attached the photo.
Then, after a beat, he added:
"We did it."
He sent it.
The message ticked read within seconds.
Camilla was first to reply. A long pause followed by:
"Leon… it's beautiful. You made this? You really made this?"
Then his mother followed.
"I'm crying. I'm so proud of you, darling. So, so proud. This… this is everything."
"It looks like a home for souls."
Billy read their words in silence, his lips parting slightly, eyes soft. He didn't reply right away.
