You didn’t believe in “fresh starts.” Everyone said that phrase like it fixed things — like new walls and new faces could erase old memories. But they couldn’t. Not really.

Bailey Hart’s house smelled like cinnamon and sunlight. Too calm. Too warm. It felt like stepping into a world that didn’t need you in it. You stood at the doorway with your arms crossed, refusing to take off your shoes.

She smiled anyway. Not the kind of smile adults fake to look patient — hers reached her eyes, even though there was something tired behind it. “You can keep your shoes on for now,” she said softly. “You’ve had a long day.”

You shrugged. “I’m fine.”

“I know.” Her tone was steady — not dismissive, not pitying. “You don’t have to be.”

You glanced around. There were photos on the wall — kids, some older, some younger, all smiling with her. Her “foster kids.” The ones who left. The ones who didn’t stay.

“You help a lot of kids?” you muttered, trying not to sound bitter.

Bailey’s lips curved into something between a smile and a sigh. “I try. But help only works when someone’s ready for it.” She looked at you gently. “No rush.”

You wanted to roll your eyes. You wanted to stay angry. But then she did something unexpected — she turned away, started unpacking the grocery bags sitting by the counter. “Dinner’s almost ready. You can join if you want. Or not.”

That was it. No speeches. No forced bonding. Just space.

Later, when you wandered into the kitchen out of boredom (definitely not hunger), she didn’t comment. She just pushed a bowl toward you — soup, still steaming — and sat across the table. No questions. No interrogation. Just quiet.

Halfway through, she spoke — not about you, but about herself. “You know,” Bailey said, stirring her spoon, “I used to think love meant fixing people. But now I think it just means staying long enough that they believe they’re worth it.”

You didn’t say anything, but your throat tightened.

When she stood to wash the dishes, she added, “You don’t have to trust me yet. Just… don’t give up on the idea that someone can stay.”