The moment the doors of Saarne creaked open and Leena stepped in, an eerie silence enveloped the room. The shock was palpable. The guards, who were previously engaged in idle chatter, suddenly froze, their eyes wide in disbelief.

"See on... see on tema," one of the guards murmured, recognizing her immediately. (*"It's... it's her."*)

Leena's heart raced, each beat echoing in her ears. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure. "Tere, ma olen tagasi," she said, her voice surprisingly steady. (*"Hello, I'm back."*)

Alex held onto Leena tightly, sensing her tension and trying to reassure her through his touch. He nodded politely, even though he didn't understand the language, but he could certainly understand the atmosphere.

"Kuidas... miks sa siin oled?" another guard finally managed to ask, his voice shaky. (*"How... why are you here?"*)

Before Leena could answer, the unmistakable footsteps of Dr. Varava and Dr. Novory echoed down the corridor. They had heard the commotion and came to see for themselves.

Dr. Varava's stern face peered down at them from the top of the stairs, her eyes piercing. "Leena Klammer," she pronounced the name slowly, as if tasting each syllable. Dr. Novory, usually the more composed one, looked equally surprised.

The scene hung in suspense, an intricate dance of past memories, questions, and uncertainty. The weight of Leena's return to Saarne, a place of both trauma and transformation, settled heavily in the room.

Leena barely had time to react before she was grabbed by the guards, her body immediately tensed up, and memories of her past experiences in Saarne came flooding back. The firm grip of the guards was a harsh reminder of the many times she had been forcibly restrained here.

"Kas me peaksime ta kinni siduma?" one guard asked, his eyes darting to the restraint room. (*"Should we restrain her?"*)

Dr. Varava, with a mixture of shock and disbelief on her face, responded, "Ei, ärge tehke seda." (*"No, don't do that."*)

Dr. Novory, attempting to regain some semblance of control over the situation, added, "Las ta olla." (*"Let her be."*)

Yet one of the guards, perhaps remembering Leena's past actions or perhaps out of genuine concern for safety, was insistent. "Ma saadan ta," he declared, indicating that he would escort her. (*"I will escort her."*)

Leena glanced at Alex, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. Alex, sensing her discomfort, whispered, "It's going to be okay. I'm here."

Dr. Varava finally spoke up, "Miks sa siin oled, Leena?" (*"Why are you here, Leena?"*)

Leena took a deep breath. This was the moment she had been preparing for. She was here to confront her past and hopefully find some closure.

Leena took a deep breath and replied, "Ma olen siin, et saada hüvastijätt. Ma olen juba kõigest möödas, kuid otsin lunastust." (*"I am here to get closure. I've already moved past everything, but I am looking for redemption."*)

With the guard by their side, Leena and Alex were escorted up the elevator and down the hall to Dr. Varava's office. The sterile white walls and antiseptic smell were all too familiar to Leena. As they passed by room 2081, Leena couldn't help but glance at the door. Memories of her time in that room, the pain, the frustration, and the desperation all came rushing back.

She fought to keep her composure. She had come a long way since then, and she was not the same person she was back then. She had to remind herself of that as she took a step into Dr. Varava's office.

Dr. Varava raised an eyebrow and said, "Nii et sa oled nüüd Carter? Kuidas see juhtus?" (*"So you're Carter now? How did that happen?"*)

Leena responded with a slight smile, "Ma abiellusin. See on minu abikaasa, Alex." (*"I got married. This is my husband, Alex."*)

Dr. Novory looked at Alex, then back to Leena with a sense of astonishment. "Ma poleks kunagi arvanud, et näen sind uuesti, eriti mitte siin ja eriti mitte abikaasaga." (*"I never thought I'd see you again, especially not here and especially not with a husband."*)

Leena held Alex's hand and said, "Alex ei räägi eesti keelt. Kas me võime paluda, et see vestlus toimuks inglise keeles, et ta saaks osa saada?" (*"Alex doesn't speak Estonian. Could we please have this conversation in English so he can be a part of it?"*)

Both doctors exchanged a look before Dr. Varava nodded, "Of course, for your husband's sake. We can switch to English."

Alex, grateful for the change in language, nodded in acknowledgment. The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension, yet Leena's determination was palpable. She was here to confront her past and gain closure, and she wouldn't let anything stand in her way.

Dr. Varava leaned back in his chair, eyeing Leena with a mix of surprise and caution. "You've taken quite the risk coming back to Estonia, Leena... or should I say, Mrs. Carter," he remarked. "You do realize you're still considered a fugitive here? You could've been apprehended the moment you landed."

Dr. Novory smirked, adjusting his glasses, "Seems she voluntarily came to Saarne instead," he added with a chuckle, glancing at Leena with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Leena crossed her legs and leaned back, exuding confidence. "Well, I'm a US citizen now. Traveled with my American ID and passport." She paused, looking between the two doctors. "Besides, if I ever found myself in a tight spot, I'd just make a quick dash to the American consulate," she added sarcastically, flashing a sly grin.

Dr. Novory raised an eyebrow, "Ah, the perks of having asylum, I presume?"

Leena nodded, "Exactly. They didn't deport me back when they had the chance. Remember the court hearing, Dr. Varava?"

Dr. Varava's expression stiffened, clearly recalling the court hearing. "Yes, I do. Quite the scene that was." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Still, it's quite audacious of you to return, given everything."

Leena simply shrugged. "Closure is important, doctor. Sometimes, you have to face your past to truly move forward."

Leena shifted in her seat, her gaze softening. "Dr. Varava, I never really had the chance to properly thank you for testifying on my behalf." She paused, recalling the brief exchange outside the courtroom during his first testimony. "Our conversation that day meant a lot to me. It was... unexpected but much appreciated."

Dr. Varava's stern exterior faltered for a brief moment, revealing a hint of emotion. "It was the right thing to do," he responded, meeting her gaze. "Regardless of the circumstances, you deserved a chance at a new life. And it seems you've made the most of it."

Leena gave a faint smile. "I've tried. It hasn't been easy, but I've tried."

Alex, sensing the heavy emotional weight of the moment, gently squeezed Leena's hand. She looked over at him, grateful for his unwavering support.

The room was filled with a tense silence as past memories and unresolved feelings hung in the air.

Dr. Novory leaned forward, his eyes filled with genuine curiosity. "Leena," he began, "why did you escape? We were trying to help you here. Counseling, therapy... everything was designed to help you heal."

Leena took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to reveal. The weight of her secret had pressed down on her for years, and now it threatened to crush her.

Alex, sensing her discomfort, tightened his grip on her hand, offering silent support.

"There's something... something I've never told anyone," Leena began hesitantly, her voice shaky. "Not you, not the courts, and certainly not Alex." She paused, gathering herself. "While I was here, I wasn't just battling my own demons. There were guards and some of the nurses... they..." Her voice trailed off, the pain evident in her eyes.

Dr. Varava's eyes widened, realization dawning on him. "Leena," he murmured, "are you saying..."

She nodded, tears threatening to spill. "Multiple times a day. I was already shattered after what happened with the Leppiks. But being taken advantage of in Saarne, a place that was supposed to help me, it... it broke me further."

The room was thick with shock and sorrow. Alex felt like he'd been punched in the gut. He pulled Leena into a tight embrace, trying to shield her from the painful memories.

The two doctors exchanged uneasy glances, both struggling to find words. The weight of their professional responsibility, the knowledge that such atrocities happened under their watch, was almost too much to bear.

Leena's voice cracked as she continued her story, the raw pain of her past etched into every word. "I tried reporting it to some of the other orderlies, but no one believed me. To them, I was just another crazy person locked up in here because I had slaughtered a family."

She paused, swallowing hard, as the vivid images of her past flashed before her eyes.

"When the perpetrators found out I had tried to rat them out, they retaliated horribly," she whispered. Her hands were shaking now, and she gripped Alex's hand for support. "It was especially humiliating when it happened while I was in a straight jacket, completely defenseless and unable to fight back."

A heavy silence settled over the room. Alex was speechless, his heart aching for the pain Leena had endured. The two doctors were visibly shaken, their faces pale with shock and disbelief.

No one had expected Leena's visit to unearth such dark and painful secrets. The weight of the revelation hung over them all, a stark reminder of the horrific experiences that had shaped Leena into the woman she was today.

Dr. Varava's voice, still in shock, trembled slightly as she asked, "Who did this to you, Leena?"

Dr. Novory added with a mixture of anger and disbelief, "Yes, we need names. We need to know."

Leena hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting between the two doctors. She swallowed hard, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

"Some of the guards, a few of the nurses," Leena began, her voice a hoarse whisper. "I can give you names, but it's been so long, I don't even know if they still work here."

Alex tightened his grip on Leena's hand, sensing her rising anxiety.

"We want to help, Leena," Dr. Varava said gently. "Please, tell us everything. If there was any wrongdoing within this institution, we need to know so that justice can be served."

Leena took a deep breath and began recounting the names and descriptions of the individuals involved. The doctors took careful notes, a storm of emotions evident on their faces as they listened to Leena's harrowing tale.

Leena took another steadying breath, her voice growing stronger as she began to describe the individuals who had tormented her. "Jaak was the main one," she began, "You would know him – bald, tall, and has an uncanny resemblance to that character from the Hitman video games... Agent 47. He's the one I manipulated Idti into attacking. He was particularly cruel, and he seemed to take a twisted pleasure in seeing me suffer."

Dr. Varava looked horrified, "Jaak? He was one of our most trusted guards. We never had any complaints against him."

Leena continued, her voice laden with bitterness, "Trust me, he was a monster. He would wait for his opportunities when no one was around, and he knew I had no one to turn to. He wasn't alone. There were others, but he was the ringleader."

Alex's face hardened, his grip on Leena's hand almost crushing. He had known Leena had suffered, but hearing about it in such graphic detail was agonizing.

Dr. Novory, in a mix of anger and disgust, asked, "Who else, Leena? We need to make this right."

Leena recounted a few other names, describing their appearances and the specific horrors they subjected her to. The room was thick with tension as the weight of her revelations settled in.

"We... we had no idea," Dr. Varava said remorsefully, her voice breaking. "This institution was supposed to be a place of healing, not more pain."

Dr. Novory added, "We'll investigate this, Leena. We promise. Those responsible will face consequences."

Leena nodded slowly, feeling a small measure of relief at finally being able to share her traumatic past. "That's all I want," she whispered, "Justice."

Dr. Novory's eyebrows knitted in concentration, "Dmitri? The one who was found dead in your room?"

Leena nodded, "Yes, him. He had his own sick fascination with me because of my condition. He saw me as a... as a child to prey upon." Her voice broke, and she took a moment to gather herself before continuing. "He wanted me in the most perverse way because of how I looked. But I used it to my advantage. He brought me things, tried to 'pamper' me in his own twisted way. On the night of my escape, he brought me a child's dress. He wanted to see me in it. I played along because I knew it was my only chance."

Alex's expression was a mix of disgust and fury. He had known of Leena's history of manipulation to survive, but hearing the specifics was proving to be a lot to digest. "So, he was your ticket out of here?"

Leena nodded, "In a way, yes. It's... complicated. I seduced him, and when he let his guard down, I saw an opportunity and took it."

Dr. Varava's expression was aghast. "Leena, this is... horrifying. We failed you. We truly did. Saarne was meant to be a place of safety, and it seems it was anything but for you."

Leena let out a bitter laugh, "It was hell. A place I wanted to escape from, by any means necessary."

The room was heavy with regret, sorrow, and guilt. Leena's revelations were exposing deep-rooted problems within Saarne, and the doctors were coming to terms with their own role in her suffering.

Leena's eyes darted around the room, her voice almost a whisper as she confessed, "There's also Anna Troyev... the art therapy instructor. On the night of my escape, I managed to sneak into the back of her car. She unknowingly became my ride out of Saarne."

Dr. Varava looked puzzled. "Anna? But she was just a therapist. She had nothing to do with any of this."

Leena's voice trembled, "I know. But I was desperate. I needed to get away, and she was my ticket out. When we got to her apartment, I... I hit her with a lead pipe. I thought I had killed her."

Dr. Novory leaned forward, looking Leena directly in the eyes. "Leena, Anna wasn't killed. She was severely injured, yes, but she survived. She went through months of therapy and treatment but managed to pull through."

Leena's face paled, shock evident in her eyes. "She... she survived? But I was so sure... I thought..."

Alex squeezed Leena's hand, trying to offer her comfort. "This might be a good thing, Leena. It means you have one less death on your conscience."

Leena seemed to be in a daze, processing the information. "I... I'm so relieved, but I still hurt her. I never wanted to be a monster."

Dr. Varava looked at Leena, compassion evident in his eyes. "Leena, the circumstances that brought you to Saarne, and the experiences you had here, they shaped your actions. But now, you have a chance to make amends, to find redemption."

Leena nodded slowly, tears in her eyes. "I want that. I want to make things right."

Leena's eyebrows furrowed as she asked hesitantly, "Does Anna still work here?"

Dr. Novory shook his head slowly. "No, she actually quit on her first day. Ironically, it was the night you escaped. She quit just before unknowingly giving you a ride away from Saarne."

Leena was visibly taken aback by this revelation. She gasped slightly, her hand covering her mouth. "I... I didn't know that. So, she didn't even work here for more than a day?"

"That's correct," Dr. Varava confirmed. "She never came back after that night."

A heavy silence fell over the room as Leena processed this new information. She looked down at her hands, which were now trembling slightly.

"I... I don't know what to say," she finally admitted, her voice almost a whisper.

Dr. Novory leaned back in his chair, his gaze meeting Leena's. "You don't need to say anything, Leena. Just know that you have the power to change and make amends for the past. And we are here to support you in that journey."

Leena hesitated for a moment before mustering the courage to ask, "Do you know where Anna is now? I'd like to... I'd like to meet her, to apologize and explain."

Dr. Varava and Dr. Novory exchanged glances. After a brief pause, Dr. Varava said, "We do have her contact information on file. Given the circumstances, it might be possible to reach out to her."

Dr. Novory nodded in agreement. "It might provide closure for both of you. But remember, it's her choice whether she wants to meet or not."

Leena nodded, taking a deep breath. "I understand that. I just... I need to try."

Dr. Varava reached for the office phone. "I'll give her a call and see if she's willing to come in today."

Alex, who had been quietly observing the conversation, squeezed Leena's hand reassuringly. She smiled faintly at him, grateful for his unwavering support.

A few tense minutes passed as Dr. Varava spoke softly into the phone, occasionally glancing at Leena. After ending the call, he turned to her. "Anna has agreed to come in. She should be here in a couple of hours."

Leena let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders dropping slightly. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Dr. Varava observed Leena's anxious posture and addressed her concerns directly. "Leena, when you were first brought to Saarne, it was due to a court mandate. You were deemed unfit to stand trial and were sent here because of your mental condition."

Leena gulped, her voice trembled, "So, am I... am I going to be incarcerated here again?"

Dr. Novory leaned forward, his expression sympathetic. "Given the circumstances of your escape, one might assume so. But it's not as simple as that."

Dr. Varava continued, "You were found guilty by reason of insanity. Your escape, traumatic as it was, doesn't negate the initial court decision. You came here willingly today, seeking closure and redemption. It's clear you've come a long way since then, mentally and emotionally."

Leena looked up, eyes wide with hope. "So... you're saying..."

Dr. Varava nodded, "All we need from you now are a few signatures on the discharge papers. Your release will be secured. You won't be incarcerated here."

A wash of relief flowed over Leena. She looked at Alex, who smiled warmly at her, his own relief evident in his eyes.

"Thank you," Leena whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. She knew she was taking a monumental step toward her future, finally free from the haunting past that had ensnared her for so long.

Leena, hesitating slightly, broached the topic that had been looming over her. "What about... you know, the incidents with Dmitri, Jaak, and the situation with Anna? I... I know I have to answer for those actions."

Dr. Novory shared a look with Dr. Varava before responding. "Leena, it's not that straightforward. When you were at Saarne, you were here as a ward of the State. Your mental state was compromised, and Saarne was entrusted with your care."

Dr. Varava picked up from where Dr. Novory left off, "That means the responsibility falls on Saarne for anything that occurred while you were under our care. You were deemed not responsible for your actions due to your condition. This isn't to say that what happened wasn't tragic or consequential, but from a legal standpoint, Saarne bears the responsibility."

Leena's eyes filled with tears, not only of relief but also of the weight of her actions. "So, it's all on Saarne? Even though I... I did those things?"

Dr. Novory nodded slowly, "Yes, Leena. It doesn't absolve the pain or trauma caused, but legally, you won't be held responsible."

Alex, who had been silent throughout the conversation, chimed in, "It sounds like Saarne is owning up to its part in what happened. Leena, this is a chance for you to move forward."

Leena nodded, her voice quivering, "I just wish there was some way to make amends, to truly make things right."

Dr. Varava looked at her thoughtfully, "Sometimes, seeking redemption and genuine remorse is the first step towards that."

Anna's appearance had matured slightly since Leena last saw her, but the sharp contours of her face and her trademark long brown hair remained the same. Her stride was measured, and her expressions were guarded as she entered Dr. Varava's office. But upon seeing Leena, her stoic demeanor faltered. Her eyes widened, and she stopped mid-step.

Leena, too, was momentarily frozen, a wash of emotions crashing over her as she took in the face of the woman she thought she'd killed.

There was a palpable tension in the room. Alex felt it and subconsciously moved a step closer to Leena, ready to support or defend her if needed.

Anna took a deep breath, seemingly regaining her composure. "Leena," she finally uttered, her voice thick with disbelief.

"I... I thought I had killed you," Leena whispered, her voice barely audible.

Anna hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "The night you escaped, when I found out what had happened, it was a shock, yes. And while you did attack me, the blow wasn't fatal. It knocked me out, but... I survived."

Tears filled Leena's eyes. "I'm so sorry, Anna. I truly believed I had taken your life. Knowing I didn't brings some solace, but the guilt of my actions still remains."

Anna nodded, taking a seat. "Seeing you here, seeking redemption, says a lot about your growth. But I'd be lying if I said it was easy to forgive and forget."

Leena bit her lip, her voice shaking. "I don't expect you to forgive me. I just... wanted to face you, face what I did."

Anna looked at her for a long while, then replied softly, "That's a start, Leena. It's a start."

Leena took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving Anna's. "Anna, there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of the harm I caused. I'm profoundly sorry for everything I did to you. I understand if you can't forgive me, but I needed to tell you how deeply remorseful I am."

Anna sighed, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. She looked at Leena with a soft, understanding gaze. "Leena, the pain and trauma you inflicted were immense. There were nights I'd wake up in cold sweats, reliving that evening. But over time, I sought therapy and tried to understand you, tried to see the pain behind your actions."

She paused, letting her words sink in. "You coming here today, facing your past and seeking redemption, shows a strength and maturity I didn't think you possessed. It's evident you're on a path to healing and self-forgiveness."

Leena nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I'm trying, Anna. Every day, I try."

Anna reached across the table, placing her hand over Leena's. "I forgive you, Leena. Not for you, but for me. Holding onto that anger and resentment was like a poison, and today, seeing you and hearing your sincerity, I can finally let it go."

The room was silent for a moment, the weight of Anna's forgiveness enveloping everyone present. It was a significant step in Leena's journey of redemption, and one she'd carry with her for the rest of her life.

Dr. Varava carefully filled out the discharge papers, his eyes occasionally glancing up at Leena as if assessing her one last time. As he handed her a pen, Dr. Novory, still trying to digest everything that had transpired, remarked, "Leena, it's quite... surprising to see you after all this time. You walking in here today was the last thing we ever expected."

Leena nodded, signing the papers with a flourish. "I know, it's been a roller coaster for me too. But like I said earlier, I needed this. I needed closure."

Dr. Varava folded the papers neatly, placing them into an envelope. "I hope you find the peace you're seeking, Leena. Everyone deserves a second chance."

Leena smiled weakly, rubbing her temples as if to ward off a headache. "Thank you, Dr. Varava. It means a lot."

Dr. Novory, intrigued, then asked, "So, what's next for you, Leena? Going back to America, I presume?"

Leena laughed softly, glancing at Alex with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Well, believe it or not, we're actually on our honeymoon."

Both doctors stared at her, their mouths agape. Dr. Varava was the first to speak, "Your honeymoon? In Estonia? And you chose to... come here?"

Leena nodded, her lips curling into a playful smirk. "Surprising, isn't it? But we wanted something different, something meaningful. And well, this was a big part of my past that I needed to confront. Plus, I wanted to make some good memories in Estonia."

Alex chimed in, wrapping an arm around Leena's shoulders, "It's been an adventure, that's for sure. And I wouldn't change a thing."

Dr. Novory laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Well, you two are definitely one of a kind. Congratulations on your marriage and... unconventional honeymoon."

Leena grinned, "Thank you. It's been... unforgettable."

The sun was just setting as Leena and Alex left the grounds of Saarne, the pastel hues of twilight reflecting off the ancient cobblestone streets of Tallinn. The weight that had been pressing on Leena's shoulders seemed to lift a little, and Alex could feel the change in her demeanor.

Walking hand in hand, the two of them navigated through the quaint streets, which had now transformed into a romantic backdrop with soft golden lighting from old lampposts and the sound of live folk music wafting from a distance.

"I've always loved the architecture here," Leena said, gazing at the medieval buildings around them. "It's like stepping back in time."

Alex looked up, appreciating the towering spires and ornate facades. "It's incredibly beautiful. I can see why you wanted to come back, even with all the memories."

Leena nodded, "It's a part of me. The good and the bad. But now, with you here, I feel like I can overwrite some of those memories with happier ones."

Spotting a cozy-looking restaurant nestled between two historic buildings, Alex pointed and said, "How about there? 'Kuldse Notsu Kõrts'. It seems authentic."

Leena chuckled, "Golden Pig Inn. Sure, why not? Estonian cuisine is quite hearty. I think you'll like it."

Inside, the restaurant had a warm, rustic charm, with wooden beams, antique furnishings, and traditional Estonian decor. The ambiance was intimate with candlelit tables and a soft hum of chatter.

As they settled into a corner table, a friendly waiter approached to hand them menus. Leena took the lead, translating and suggesting dishes for Alex to try. They decided on some traditional starters like herring with sour cream and beetroot salad. For mains, Alex opted for the wild boar stew while Leena chose the grilled pike-perch.

As they waited for their food, Alex took a moment to absorb everything. "Today has been... overwhelming, but I'm glad we did this."

Leena smiled, squeezing his hand. "Me too. It was something I needed to do, and I'm grateful you were by my side."

The evening continued with hearty laughter, delicious food, and deep conversations. With every moment, Leena's connection to her past was being reshaped, and together, they were creating new memories to cherish in the heart of Estonia.

Sitting across from each other at the candlelit table, Leena had a playful glint in her eyes. "You know," she began, taking a sip of her wine, "we can't have you come all the way to Estonia and not learn a word of Estonian."

Alex chuckled, "Oh? Are you going to be my teacher?"

Leena smirked, "Of course! Let's start with something simple. Repeat after me: 'Tere'."

Alex tried to mimic her pronunciation, "Teer...ay?"

Leena giggled, "Close! It's 'Tere'. It means 'hello'."

Alex nodded, "Tere. Got it."

"Good job!" Leena praised. "Okay, now say, 'Ma armastan sind'. It's a special one."

Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Ma arma... something?"

Leena leaned in, speaking slowly, "Ma armastan sind."

Taking a deep breath, Alex gave it a go, "Ma armastan sind?"

Leena clapped excitedly, "Perfect! It means 'I love you'."

Alex smiled warmly, "Ma armastan sind, Leena."

Blushing, Leena replied, "Ma armastan sind ka, Alex." She added, "That means 'I love you too'."

The two continued their playful language lesson, with Leena teaching Alex phrases like "Kuidas läheb?" (How are you?) and "Palun" (Please). Alex, for his part, fumbled through some of the pronunciations, causing bursts of laughter between the two. But he was a good sport, taking each mistake in stride and trying again.

By the end of their meal, Alex had a small arsenal of Estonian phrases, though he jokingly claimed he was far from fluent. However, it was the effort and the shared experience that mattered, deepening the bond between them in a fun and memorable way.

As Leena slid out of her seat, she could feel Alex's gaze following her. She glanced back and noticed him appreciating the way her jeans fit her. Leena smirked and decided to playfully call him out.

"Pilkad mind?" she teased, using the Estonian phrase for 'Are you looking at me?'

Alex, caught off-guard, blushed a bit but tried to defend himself, "I was just... admiring the view."

Leena raised an eyebrow playfully, "Oh, 'admiring the view', is it? Ma tean, mida sa tegid," she said, which meant, 'I know what you did.'

Alex chuckled, "I mean, can you blame me? You look absolutely stunning. And those jeans? They're working wonders."

Leena feigned mock surprise, "Oh, so now it's about the jeans? Maybe I should start wearing them more often, especially if it gets your attention this much."

"You don't need jeans to get my attention," Alex replied, grinning. "But it sure doesn't hurt."

Leena laughed, "Well, I'm glad you appreciate my fashion choices." She leaned down and whispered in his ear, "Just remember, these jeans are coming off later," before winking and heading to the ladies' room.

Alex, now a little flustered but still smiling, shook his head in amusement, "She's something else," he thought to himself, already looking forward to the rest of their evening.

Alex felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He glanced down to see a text message from Leena:

*"Hey, come 'help' me with something. This bathroom is single occupancy 😉."*

A sly grin formed on his face. The playful tone of her message and the subtle wink at the end left little to the imagination. Alex looked around the restaurant to make sure no one was watching too closely. He then got up from his seat, trying to be as nonchalant as possible, and made his way towards the restroom.

As he approached, he could hear Leena's soft giggle from behind the door. He gently knocked, and she promptly opened it, pulling him inside with a mischievous smile on her face.

"Thought you might need some 'help'," Alex said playfully, his arms wrapping around her waist.

Leena laughed, "Well, I did say I was going to give you a hard time tonight," she replied, her eyes dancing with mischief.

The two shared a moment of playful intimacy, far removed from the challenges and intense emotions they'd faced earlier that day. It was a brief moment of levity and connection, reminding them both of the bond they shared.

Walking back to the table, Alex and Leena tried to maintain casual expressions, though the faint blush on Leena's cheeks and the slightly ruffled state of Alex's hair might have betrayed them to a keen observer.

Alex took a sip of his drink, trying to regain his composure. "We weren't gone for that long, were we?" he asked, glancing at his watch.

Leena laughed softly, "Only ten minutes. Nobody will suspect a thing." She leaned closer to him, lowering her voice. "And besides, nobody can understand us if we talk about it in English here."

Alex chuckled, "You think so?"

Leena nodded, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Absolutely. And you know, later tonight," she playfully tugged at the hem of her jeans, "these are coming off. And I promise, it'll take longer than ten minutes."

Alex's eyes widened playfully, and he coughed to hide his surprise, causing Leena to break into a fit of giggles. The two continued to share secret glances and whispers throughout the rest of their dinner, the evening's earlier emotional heaviness now replaced with light-hearted banter and flirty exchanges.

Leena, now in a more playful mood, decided it was time for another one of her Estonian 'lessons' for Alex.

"Okay, are you ready for some advanced Estonian?" Leena asked with a sly grin.

Alex looked intrigued, "Advanced? I'm barely getting the basics. But sure, why not?"

Leena leaned closer and whispered a phrase into his ear. Alex's eyes widened, and he choked on his drink. "Leena! What did you just teach me?"

She giggled, "I told you it was advanced. It means 'You look incredibly sexy tonight.' Try saying it."

Alex attempted the phrase, but his pronunciation was way off, causing Leena to burst into laughter. "That was cute, but you made it sound like 'You have a big potato.'"

Alex blushed, "Well, that's not what I was going for."

Leena smirked, "Okay, let's try another one." She whispered another phrase, and Alex's face turned an even deeper shade of red.

"I'm not repeating that one out loud," he muttered, glancing around to see if anyone was eavesdropping.

Leena leaned back in her chair, satisfied with her handiwork. "You're so much fun to tease. But you're a good sport. Thanks for playing along."

Alex shook his head with a smile, "You're something else, you know that? But I wouldn't have it any other way."

Alex looked at Leena, genuinely impressed. "You never cease to amaze me. How many languages do you actually know?"

Leena thought for a moment. "Well, besides Estonian and English, I'm fluent in Russian, Rusyn..."

"Wait, what's Rusyn?" Alex interjected, his brows furrowing in confusion.

Leena chuckled, "It's a language spoken by the Rusyn people in parts of Ukraine, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary. It's not very widely spoken, but I picked it up. Then there's Belorussian, Ukrainian, Finnish..." She counted off on her fingers.

Alex's eyes widened with each language she listed. "And here I am struggling with just Estonian."

She smiled, "I'm also passable in German, Dutch, Danish, and I know a bit of Spanish. Not fluent, but I can get by."

He shook his head in wonder. "That's... incredible. How did you learn all these languages?"

Leena shrugged. "When I wasn't getting beaten up by my dad, I occupied my time. Television shows from various countries, pirated Rosetta Stone courses, music, books. Anything to escape my reality. It was my way of traveling the world without leaving my room."

Alex took her hand, squeezing it gently. "You've gone through so much. But it's amazing how you turned every situation into an opportunity to grow. And by the way, you almost sound American now."

Leena laughed, "Well, I've been in the US for quite some time. I guess it's bound to rub off on me."

He smiled, "I love hearing all the facets of you. Every day I discover something new, and it just makes me fall in love with you even more."

Alex chuckled, "Honestly, it's kind of cute when your mother tongue sneaks into your English. It's a part of you, and it's something I've grown fond of."

Leena rolled her eyes playfully, "Oh, please. Sometimes I sound ridiculous! Like when I mix up the order of my words or use an Estonian idiom that makes no sense in English."

"Give me an example," Alex said with a grin.

Leena thought for a moment, then laughed, "Okay, okay. So, in Estonian we have a saying 'Ole nagu viies ratas vankri all,' which literally translates to 'be like the fifth wheel under the wagon.' It means to be superfluous or out of place."

Alex burst out laughing, "That's actually amazing! See? Those little quirks make our conversations so much more interesting."

Leena shook her head, still laughing, "Oh, you. Always finding a way to make me feel better about my quirks."

He winked, "It's one of my many talents."

Leena's eyes sparkled with mischief. "How about I teach you some Rusyn? It's a lesser-known language, but it's a part of my linguistic arsenal."

Alex's eyebrows raised, intrigued. Lay it on me."

Grinning, she began, "Alright. Let's start with a simple greeting. 'Dobryj den' means 'Good day.'"

Alex repeated, trying to mimic her pronunciation, "'Dob-reej den'?"

Leena clapped, "Not bad for a first try! Now, 'Yak se maješ?' means 'How are you?'."

"'Yak se ma-yesh?' Did I get that right?" Alex tried, his tongue fumbling over the unfamiliar sounds.

Leena giggled. "Close enough! You'll get the hang of it."

They continued with a few more basic phrases, and as they progressed, Leena taught him some fun idioms and sayings unique to the Rusyn culture. Alex struggled with some of the pronunciations, causing both of them to break into fits of laughter.

Throughout the lesson, Alex admired Leena's linguistic skills. It was amazing to see her effortlessly switch between languages. He found himself falling deeper for her as he discovered more layers to her character.

"Learning languages from you might be my new favorite hobby," Alex confessed with a grin, after another attempt at Rusyn.

Leena laughed, "Well, we've got plenty more to cover. And I'll ensure you're fluent in at least one or two of them by the time we're old and gray."

With that promise, they continued their evening, enjoying the blend of languages and the connection it brought them.

Alex leaned back, observing Leena with a contemplative look. "You know, with your linguistic skills and your talent in art, have you ever thought about working for a supranational corporation? I mean, you'd be a major asset to them."

Leena chuckled, twirling a strand of her hair, "I never really thought about it, to be honest. Teaching art has always been my passion. Besides, I love seeing the spark in my students' eyes when they create something beautiful. But..."

Alex raised an eyebrow, "But?"

She hesitated for a moment, "Well, the prospect of making a ton of money is tempting, especially for our future. We could travel more, maybe even own a nice house. But then again, I worry about getting lost in the corporate world. I've always been more of a free spirit."

He nodded, "I understand. I just thought it's something you might consider, given your unique set of skills. And it doesn't have to be forever. Maybe just a few years to save up."

Leena took a sip of her drink, "I'll think about it. But for now, I'm happy with where I am. Plus, I love the school environment, the creativity, and the daily interaction with young minds."

Alex smiled, reaching over to hold her hand. "Whatever you decide, I'm with you. Just know that the world is full of possibilities, and you can take whichever path you choose."

Leena's eyes softened, "Thank you, Alex. It means a lot." She squeezed his hand, feeling grateful for his unwavering support.

Leena smirked, leaning forward with a playful glint in her eyes. In smooth Ukrainian, she purred, "Ти знаєш, яка різниця між тобою та зірками? Зірки можуть блищати лише вночі, а ти – завжди."

Alex, caught off guard by the sudden shift in language, blinked in surprise. "What did you just say?" he asked, his curiosity evident.

Leena laughed, her eyes dancing mischievously. "I said, 'Do you know the difference between you and the stars? Stars can only shine at night, but you, you shine all the time.'"

Alex chuckled, clearly flattered, "Well, aren't you smooth in Ukrainian? Keep going, I'm liking this."

She leaned in closer, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, "Якщо б ти був словом у словнику, ти був би визначенням 'сексі'."

He raised an eyebrow, trying to hide his grin, "Translation?"

She pulled away slightly, biting her lip in a teasing manner, "If you were a word in the dictionary, you'd be the definition of 'sexy'."

Alex laughed heartily, "Alright, alright, you've got me. Let's get out of here, you multilingual flirt."

Taking his hand, she winked, "Just keeping things interesting, Mr. Carter." They left the restaurant, their laughter echoing in the chilly Estonian night.

The streets of Tallinn were dimly lit, the golden glow from the street lamps casting long shadows on the cobblestone. With the chilly night air nipping at their skin, the city's historical architecture stood as silent witnesses to the couple's intimate moment.

Leena, feeling playful and confident from their flirtatious dinner exchange, glanced over her shoulder at Alex with a teasing smile. In one fluid motion, she slid off her beige trench coat, revealing the contours of her white long-sleeved shirt against her skin and the fit of her jeans which showcased the natural curve of her hips. Holding the coat in one hand, she began to sway her hips to an imaginary rhythm, her movements fluid and graceful.

Alex, taken aback by the sudden performance, couldn't help but grin. His eyes traced her every movement, captivated by the sultry and playful dance she offered just for him. He chuckled, "Someone's feeling bold tonight," admiration evident in his voice.

Leena spun around, her hair flowing with the motion, and wrapped the coat around Alex's neck, pulling him close. Their faces inches apart, she whispered with a smirk, "Just making sure you remember our honeymoon."

Alex laughed softly, his hands finding their way to her waist. "Trust me," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear, "I'll never forget any moment with you."

With their arms wrapped around each other, they continued their stroll, their steps in sync, two souls deeply connected in the heart of Estonia's history.

The hotel's hallway was hushed, with only the muffled sound of distant chatter and the soft hum of the air conditioning. Their footsteps echoed lightly as they approached their room, with Alex's hand resting gently on the small of Leena's back.

Unlocking the door, Leena turned to face Alex with that same playful and mischievous glint in her eyes from earlier in the evening. She leaned in close, her voice a soft, sultry whisper, "Remember what I said about the jeans?"

Alex grinned, his eyes locked onto hers. "How could I forget?"

With a flirtatious laugh, Leena slowly stepped backward into their dimly lit room, drawing him in with her. The door clicked shut behind them and added to their shared memories of their Estonian honeymoon.

They immediately started to undress. Leena was wearing a long sleeve white t-shirt and faded skinny jeans. Alex couldn't help but notice how sexy she looked. He started to kiss her neck and shoulders, causing her to shiver with excitement.

They quickly jumped into bed and started to kiss passionately. Alex's lips were on hers, and their tongues were exploring each other's mouths. Leena was so turned on by Alex's lips that she began to undress him, taking his shirt off and feeling his chest.

As they continued to kiss, Alex started to undress Leena and their bodies started to melt together.

"Remember what I said, these jeans were coming off later," Leena said before winking.

Leena couldn't help but remove her faded skinny jeans as promised, revealing her naked body to Alex. He was in awe of how sexy she looked, and he started to kiss her everywhere, from her neck to her toes.

They made love for hours and fell asleep in each other's arms.