Her footsteps faltered as guilt washed across her face. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to make you sad. I just… your clothes are really pretty."
Lavayla blinked, then gave a small snort of laughter—soft but genuine. "Don't worry, Vira. It happened a long time ago and mentioning them doesn't affect me anymore."
Vira peeked at her, cautious. "Really?"
"Yes." Lavayla shifted the baby against her chest, giving the woman a reassuring smile. "It's fine. I don't mind talking about her. It just means she's not forgotten, right? Also, thank you for the compliment."
That answer seemed to soothe the tension instantly. Vira brightened again—though subtly—and hurried to walk beside Lavayla as if to keep her company.
Up front, Ressha cast a subtle glance back.
