Page 55 of Manic

I look at her, really look at her.

She's so happy, so alive.

This is the childhood she deserves, the one I've always wanted for her.

Friends, family, a sense of belonging.

"Okay," I say finally, a smile breaking through. "Yeah, that's fine."

The girls erupt in squeals of delight, hugging each other and chattering excitedly about their plans.

I can't help but laugh at their enthusiasm.

"Just... behave, okay?" I add, trying to sound stern but failing miserably.

Tindra rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "We will, Mom. Promise!"

As I watch Tindra's retreating form, her laughter mingling with Rev and Dalla's, a wave of guilt washes over me.

My smile falters, and I feel a heaviness settle in my chest.

"You okay there, sweetheart?" Tor's deep voice rumbles beside me, his hand coming to rest on the small of my back.

I turn to him, struggling to find the right words. "I just... I can't help thinking about all the time we've lost. All the moments like this that Tindra missed out on."

Tor's eyes soften, and he pulls me closer. "Hey, don't do that to yourself. You did what you thought was best."

"Did I?" I whisper, my voice barely audible over the noise of the clubhouse. "Look at her, Tor. She's thriving here. She has family, friends her own age. I kept her from all of this for so long."

I watch as Tindra animatedly talks with Arik, her face lit up with excitement.

It's a stark contrast to the quiet, reserved girl I've known for years.

"You protected her," Tor says firmly. "And now you're giving her this. That's what matters."

I shake my head, unconvinced. "But all those years..."

"Meghan," Tor interrupts, turning me to face him fully. "You can't change the past. But you're here now. I’m here now. That's what counts."

I nod, trying to let his words sink in.

But the guilt still gnaws at me, a persistent ache that won't quite let go.

"I just wish..." I start, then trail off, unsure how to finish the thought.

Tor waits patiently, his presence a steady anchor amid my swirling emotions.

"I wish I'd been brave enough to come back sooner," I finally admit, the words feeling like a confession. "To give her all of this earlier."

CHAPTER NINE

Tor

The clubhouse is alive tonight, pulsing with energy and laughter.

I lean back in my chair, taking in the scene before me.

My girls, Meghan and Tindra, are at the center of it all, their smiles lighting up the room.

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