My quiet promise seemed to satisfy her.

She nestled against me as we continued our journey, the mountains watching over us like ancient guardians of secrets and transformations.

Rebecca and Philip were waiting at the arrival gate, both somehow looking years younger despite the challenges of their recent downsizing.

Rebecca’s designer clothes had been replaced by simple jeans and a sweater, her once-perfect manicure now charmingly practical.

Philip stood without his customary air of importance, his shoulders relaxed, his smile genuine as he spotted his daughter.

“There’s our mountain explorer,” Rebecca called, kneeling to embrace Alice as she ran ahead.