Dahlia and the Garden of Light - Chapter 2: Chapter 2

That night, Antonio sat beside Dahlia’s bed, her small fingers wrapped around a soft toy lamb. She looked up at him, unsure.
He spoke gently. “Dahlia… today, in the garden. The flowers. That wasn’t just… luck, was it?”
She blinked. Then, very slowly, she nodded. “It’s… me,” she whispered. “It always happens when I get scared or happy. Or when I sing.”
He took a slow breath. “And does it… hurt?”
“No. It feels nice. Warm inside. Like the flowers are saying thank you.”
Antonio smiled faintly. “And you’ve never told anyone?”
She shook her head. “They wouldn’t believe me.”
He leaned closer. “I believe you. But I need you to promise something, Dahlia. What you have is… beautiful. But the world? Not everyone is kind. Some people see something special and they want to take it. Use it. Even hurt it.”
Her eyes widened.
“That’s why,” he said softly, “we have to keep it a secret. Just for now. Until we can protect you properly. Can you do that?”
Dahlia hesitated… then nodded solemnly. “I promise.”
He kissed her forehead and stood. “You are the most extraordinary little girl I’ve ever met.”
“I’m glad you came,” she whispered as her eyes drifted closed.
“So am I,” he replied.