Her laughter rose above the hum of the restaurant — bright, unguarded, unashamed. Her mother watched her soften, shoulders lowering as if someone had lifted a burden she had carried alone for far too long. Gratitude showed on her face, even though she never said a word.
No one else seemed to notice. People continued eating, chatting, and scrolling. There was no applause, no camera, no moment of recognition. And strangely, that made the gesture feel even more genuine.
