That night Nadia sat alone with a cup of chamomile tea. Peace surrounded her. Yet unease stirred inside. This safety carried another man’s name. She wanted independence. She wanted choice.
A knock came at the door. Julian stood there again. In his hands was a thick folder.
“What is this,” Nadia asked.
“An opportunity,” Julian said. “I contacted a children’s research hospital in Harborview. They reviewed Carter’s file. They will take his case. Full evaluation. New treatment trials. No cost.”
Nadia opened the folder. Her hands trembled. Another country. Another chance.
“You did this,” she whispered.
“I made a call,” Julian said. “But they were moved by your story. They call him the brave boy of Silvercrest.”
Nadia looked up. “It is far. It is frightening.”
“It is only an option,” he replied. “You choose.”
They stood on the porch beneath the stars.
“You are stronger than I am,” Julian said.
Nadia shook her head. “Strength is what remains when there is no choice. I want more than survival now. I want a life.”
Julian nodded. “You deserve it.”
He turned toward his truck. Then stopped. “If you ever need support. Or friendship. Or more. You know where to find me.”