After dinner, they moved to the living room, where they sat together on the couch. Derek kept an arm around her, holding her close, as they talked about everything and nothing at all. Derek's attempt to take her mind off the issue.
Fortunately for him, it was working as Cora found herself laughing at his jokes, her earlier tears forgotten. It was as if the darkness that had loomed over them was slowly beginning to lift.
As the night wore on, Cora found herself growing more and more tired. She leaned her head against Derek's shoulder, feeling safe in his embrace. For the first time since she received the pictures, she felt like she could breathe again.
Although she wasn't sure what the future held, but with Derek by her side, she felt like she could face anything. Eventually, sleep claimed her, and Derek watched as she drifted off, his heart full of love and resolve.
