Chapter 59

• "We shouldn't overdo it," Leon advises, mindful of the specialist's guidance to take it slow and avoid overwhelming Sophia with too much stimulation. Acknowledging her remembrance of Tia as a significant step forward, he commends her progress. His tone is gentle, treating Sophia with a delicate touch, as if she were as fragile as rice paper or a child. The shift in his demeanor since her emotional outburst feels peculiar, marked by increased attentiveness and warmth that contrasts with their usual dynamic.
• "I'm hungry," Sophia mentions, shifting the conversation away from the emotional intensity of the moment. She strides ahead on the street, making her way towards the nearby hot dog vendor as the twilight dims the city lights, casting a surreal yellow glow. Their conversation feels strained after the emotional release.
• Leon appears unsure how to navigate Sophia's display of emotions, grappling with a version of her that he's not accustomed to. Offering only hugs, pats on the back, and napkins to wipe her tears, he seems at a loss for how to provide comfort, his own tears adding to the awkwardness of the moment. Despite the complexity of their shared history surrounding Tia, he chooses to accept her name without further discussion.