"Before you go," Old Mr. Thorne interrupted gently, seeing as Athena was about to get up to retire for the night. "I want to ask one more thing. A favor. Could you consider letting Ewan find his way back into your lives, perhaps at your own pace? It would mean the world to him."
Athena opened her mouth, prepared to argue the point, but the sincerity in his expression grounded her. Instead of gratifying her defenses, his request lingered in the air, prompting her heart to consider opening that door just a crack.
If Ewan had changed, could there be room for him in their lives again? He could be a good friend at least, for he demonstrated outstanding character since the truth had come to the surface.
"I will think about it, Old Mr. Thorne," She replied, brushing away any doubt, not up for another round of worrying and mental stress. Everything will fall into place in due time. "I need some time to figure everything out."
