Sunlight filtered gently through the curtains of the bedroom. The storm was finally gone—both outside and within their hearts.
Elena opened her eyes slowly, her head resting against Ethan's shoulder. For a moment, everything felt surreal. But then—Alex's soft breathing from the bed beside them reminded her: this was real. She had remembered. She was home.
Ethan stirred beside her, his eyes opening to meet hers.
"Good morning," he said, his voice husky.
Elena smiled softly. "Morning… Ethan."
The way she said his name—full of emotion, full of memory—made him pull her closer.
"I thought I lost you," he whispered.
"I thought I lost myself," she replied. "But you… you brought me back."
Ethan kissed her forehead. "You and Alex are my world. I'd tear down every wall to bring you both home."
---
Later that Morning
Alex ran around the living room with his toy car, laughing for the first time in days. Elena watched him, her heart swelling with love. Each sound, each smile, each step—everything felt precious now.
Ethan came in with a tray of breakfast.
"I made your favorite," he said with a proud smirk.
Elena looked down and blinked. Burnt toast, overcooked eggs, and a glass of orange juice that had seeds floating in it.
She burst out laughing. "You call this my favorite?"
Ethan grinned. "Hey, I tried! I'm a CEO, not a chef."
"You're impossible," she chuckled.
"But you still married me," he teased.
She looked at him tenderly. "And I would marry you again."
They sat together, laughing and eating (or trying to), while Alex joined them, stealing bites from both plates.
---
That Evening
Elena stood on the balcony, watching the sunset. Ethan joined her, slipping an arm around her waist.
"I've been thinking," she said softly. "Maybe… we could take a break. Go somewhere peaceful. Just us. A family getaway."
Ethan smiled. "I was hoping you'd say that. I already called Matthew. He's arranging everything."
She turned to him, surprised. "Really?"
He nodded. "You need rest. Alex needs joy. And I… I just need you."
Elena leaned into him, closing her eyes. "Then let's go. Let's heal."