Esme's face softened, and she gently placed her hand over Helga's, offering a rare glimpse of vulnerability. "Helga, I can't stop. Not while there are people depending on me… and threats that need to be dealt with. This life—it's what I chose. I have to be ready for anything."
Helga sighed, shaking her head with a faint smile. "You're impossible. Just… try to remember there are people here who would prefer if you didn't act like a stuntman every other day."
Esme chuckled softly and then, without warning, clamped a hand over Helga's mouth. "Enough. I swear, Aaron's right—you act like my mother sometimes. Don't you think there's a limit to mothering your friend?"
Helga's eyes sparkled as she pulled Esme's hand away, a grin breaking through. "Oh, believe me, I know there's no changing you. Just… don't make me regret caring, okay?"
For a moment, the exhaustion in Esme's eyes softened, replaced by gratitude and trust.
