Page 109 of Manic

I can't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. "Yep, he'll be here soon. Why don't you go inside and get everything set up?"

As Tindra scrambles out of the car, I take a moment to collect my thoughts.

It's been a while since we've had a proper family night, just the three of us.

The thought of Tor being here, in our space, sends a flutter through my stomach that I quickly push aside.

Tindra calls from the front door, impatience clear in her voice. "Mom, come on!"

I grab the shopping bags and make my way to the house, watching as Tindra practically vibrates with excitement. "Geez, kid, you'd think you haven't seen your dad in months," I tease.

Tindra rolls her eyes, but her smile doesn't falter. "It's not just about seeing Dad. It's about all of us being together, you know? Plus, I finally have an excuse to make him watch that new superhero movie with me."

As we step inside, I can't help but feel a warmth spreading through my chest.

Despite everything we've been through, despite the complications of our lives, moments like these remind me of what really matters.

"All right, all right," I concede, dropping the bags by the stairs. "Why don't you go pick out the movie while I get some drinks ready? Your dad should be here soon."

Tindra nods eagerly and dashes off to the living room.

I head to the kitchen, my mind already racing with thoughts of the evening ahead.

Family movie night with Tor—it's such a normal, domestic thing.

Yet in our world, moments like these are precious and rare.

As I'm reaching for glasses in the kitchen, I hear the familiar sound of a key turning in the lock.

My heart skips a beat, knowing it's Tor.

Before I can even turn around, I hear Tindra's excited squeal.

"Dad!" she exclaims, and I step out of the kitchen just in time to see her rush into Tor's arms.

Tor's face lights up as he wraps his strong arms around our daughter. "Hey there, princess," he says, his deep voice softening with affection.

He holds her close for a moment, and I can see the tension in his shoulders ease.

It's moments like these that remind me of the gentle side of this man who can be so fierce in other aspects of his life.

"Go upstairs and get changed into something comfy, okay?" Tor tells Tindra, ruffling her hair. "We've got a movie night to get to."

"Okay!" Tindra chirps, bounding up the stairs two at a time.

As soon as she's out of sight, Tor's eyes lock with mine.

The intensity in his bottle-green gaze makes my breath catch.

I can tell he's about to say something serious, and I brace myself.

"Meghan," he starts, his voice low and gravelly. "I wanted to apologize for how things went down last week. I know I can be... difficult sometimes."

I exhale slowly, surprised by the apology. "Thank you," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's been a long time coming."

Tor nods, running a hand through his dark hair. "I know. I just... I need you to try and understand things from my side. The club, the danger, Starla knowing when I didn’t. It pissed me off. Hell, it fuckin’ hurt me."

I feel a familiar mix of frustration and understanding wash over me. "I do understand, Tor. I really do. But I don't want to fight anymore. Can't we just... try to move forward?"

---