She smiles softly at me, and says, “I think…I think I may be falling in love with you.” My heart thumps. I can’t believe she said it first. I can’t believe I have permission to say it. Her eyes flick up to mine hesitantly, as if she ever needed to doubt I’d say it back. There’s a flower in my chest, just now starting to meet sunlight, finally blossoming. I can hear my mother laugh at something Stefan says to her, but I can’t take my eyes off Ama. I hear my mother’s happiness in her laughter—I’ve seen it. No one should have to wait for happiness a second longer than they have to.
