signed the sentence he had practiced every night.
May I sit with you?
Leo studied his hands, checking the meaning.
He did not run into his father’s arms.
He did not erase six years of abandonment with one smile.
He simply moved a few inches along the piano bench.
It was enough space for Alejandro to sit.
Sofia remained near the door as father and son pressed the piano key together.
One heard the note clearly.
The other felt it through the wood and caught a faint piece of sound through damaged ears.
For the first time, neither pretended that money, grief, or silence could replace love.
Alejandro placed both hands where Leo could see them and signed one more word.
Stay?
Leo looked toward the open door, then back at his father.
He answered with the sign Sofia had taught him on the night everything changed.
Safe.
