#Chapter71 Bask in

Theodore It was odd to have this moment with Violet, after years of accepting that I didn’t really belong in this country, with anyone, of having walls and walls of secrets to have a gruff old man accept me as one of their own. I had so many questions, but I didn’t want to ruin the moment with them. That could all wait, for now, I just wanted to bask in this feeling I never imagined I’d have. Violet slipped her arm through mine and led us down the bustling streets of the city. Street vendors called out, selling everything from roasted chestnuts to handmade trinkets, and the air carried the aroma of fresh bread and something sweet I couldn’t quite place. The city seemed more active than I expected it to be given the time of day. She tugged me toward a stall, her eyes lighting up as she spotted something. “Theo, have you ever had these?” I followed her gaze to a vendor selling small, golden pastries dusted with powdered sugar. “Can’t say I have,” I admitted. Violet grinned, al