Then, as quickly as the moment came, it passed - his shoulders tensed again and he resumed his restless path across the speckled floor, fingers running through his hair. “Especially after everything… you didn’t have to.”

“Of course I did,” Juniper said softly, watching Daniel pace the length of the room. His usual measured control had fractured into restless movement, each turn marking another thought he seemed unable to voice.

She found herself in the corner, looking up at him as he moved. “Your mother seems happy,” she offered softly. “Strong too. Though she mentioned you worry more than you need to…” Her voice faded as she watched his profile, not sure how far to push.

Daniel’s pacing halted mid-step. His head turned toward her with an intensity that made her freeze - those blue eyes suddenly sharp, almost dangerous with contained emotion. His chest rose with a controlled breath that he held too long.

“She…” His voice caught as if the words physically hurt. His face twisted into something between a smirk and a snarl - a wild, uncontrolled expression she’d never seen on him before. His head gave tiny, rapid shakes of denial, almost vibrating with the intensity of emotions he was trying to contain. “I don’t know what she’s been telling you.”