Page 39 of Manic

Tindra's eyes widen with excitement. "Really? That would be amazing!"

I can't help but smile, warmth spreading through my chest. "That sounds like a great idea," I chime in, catching Tor's eye. He returns my smile, and for a moment, it feels like we're truly a family.

As we finish our meal, Tindra shifts in her seat, a hopeful look on her face. "Um, Dad?" she asks, the word still new on her tongue. "Would you maybe want to stay and watch a movie with us?"

I glance at Tor, trying to silently tell him that he doesn't have to if it's too much.

We've already made so much progress tonight and I don't want to overwhelm him.

Baby steps are completely fine.

But Tor's face breaks into a wide grin. "I'd love to," he says, then adds with a wink, "But only if there's popcorn and candy involved. Can't have a proper movie night without snacks, right?"

Tindra lets out a delighted squeal and jumps up from her chair.

Before I can even process what's happening, she's thrown her arms around Tor in a tight hug. "Thank you, thank you!" she exclaims.

I watch as Tor hesitates for just a moment before wrapping his arms around our daughter, his eyes meeting mine over her head.

The emotion I see there—a mix of joy, wonder, and a hint of fear—mirrors exactly how I'm feeling.

Tindra pulls back, practically vibrating with excitement. She grabs Tor's hand, tugging him toward the living room. "Come on! I know exactly what movie we should watch!"

As they disappear around the corner, I take a deep breath, steadying myself against the kitchen counter.

This evening has gone better than I could have ever imagined.

Watching Tor and Tindra together, seeing them start to form a bond... it's everything I've ever wanted for them.

But as I start to follow them, a nagging voice in the back of my mind whispers a warning.

Things are going so well... almost too well.

In my experience, that usually means something's about to go wrong.

I enter the living room to find Tindra excitedly showing Tor our movie options, pressing the remote as she goes over them until she stops on one.

Tor's listening intently, a soft smile playing on his lips.

It's a sight that warms my heart and simultaneously tightens my chest with an inexplicable anxiety.

"Mom!" Tindra calls out. "Dad says he's never seen 'The Princess Bride.' Can you believe it?"

I can't help but chuckle. "Well, I guess we know what we're watching then. Was that your original choice?"

Tindra laughs, “No, but it’s okay.”

As Tindra sets up the movie, I settle onto the couch, Tor taking a seat next to me.

His presence is comforting and I didn’t realize how much I missed it.

"You okay?" he asks quietly, his eyes searching mine.

I nod, offering a smile that I hope looks more convincing than it feels. "Yeah, just... taking it all in."

Tor's hand finds mine, giving it a gentle squeeze.

The gesture is so natural, so right, that for a moment I forget all my worries.

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