CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN – THE NEW NORMAL

As Raya and Maya drew closer, the little girl's gaze landed on the solitary figure of Lance. She slowed her steps, pigtails swinging as she cocked her head curiously. Raya murmured something, gesturing towards Lance in a reassuring manner. For his part, Lance seemed transfixed, rooted to the spot as he focused every iota of his being on the child before him. Kayla watched as a kaleidoscope of emotions flickered across his features - wonder, trepidation, and an overwhelming sense of awe. Then, as though in a trance, Lance slowly sank down until he was kneeling at Maya's eye level. A tremulous smile tugged at his lips as he extended one hand in greeting. "Hello," he rasped out, his voice thick with barely contained emotion. "I'm Lance." Maya regarded this stranger openly, head tilted as she studied him with all the guileless curiosity only a child could possess. Then, stunning them all, her face split into a beaming smile as she placed her tiny hand in Lance's without hesitation. "H