Dakota looked up in surprise.
Sera's smile softened even further. "Children and animals often recognize kindness long before adults learn to see it."
Those simple words settled quietly within Dakota's heart. As she watched the koi continue gliding lazily through the clear water, she couldn't help reflecting upon how completely her life had changed.
There had once been a time when she believed loneliness would accompany her for the rest of her days, yet somewhere along the way—without ever noticing when it had happened—she had found herself surrounded by people who genuinely cared for her.
She had gained a husband whose quiet actions often spoke more clearly than words ever could, a little daughter who loved her with unquestioning trust, and parents who, though they shared no blood with her, had gradually begun giving her the warmth and affection she had long believed she would never experience.
