I let out a quick laugh. “Alright, but if I’m reporting back, I’m making it sound way cooler than it is. ‘Nonna, you won’t believe it—I tamed a wild frost giant and rode it through a blizzard to save an orphaned fox.’” My grin tilts wry, but it eases into something softer. “I think you’re probably right. About him being there. Maybe it’s just me wanting it to be true, but… I’ll take it.”
Her bit about the Greatwood hits deeper than I expect, and I give her arm a light squeeze.
“Leaving pieces of yourself behind…It’s like the places you love keep a version of you safe, no matter what happens.”
When she deflects the credit, I give her an exaggerated look of disbelief. “You tracked Mom to another world and you’re just gonna sit here like it’s nothing? No. Sorry. That’s top-tier bragging rights right there. If I ever manage something like that, I’m never shutting up about it.”
She tucks my hair back, and for some reason it makes my chest feel too full for a second. I swallow it down, take a sip of my drink, and manage a lopsided smile. “Guess I can retire now. Made a difference to Nonna—mission accomplished. Time to live in a cottage with a dog, maybe learn to knit.”
I rest my shoulder lightly against hers. “But… I really do want to help. I want the world to notice me for something good. Preferably not the kind of thing that gets me wanted posters in three regions.” Yes mom, that’s a callout.
but my god, you're alive and it's spectacular
