One year old today. Twelve months since emergency C-section. Since NICU. Since I brought him home alone.
We made it.
Evan wears the outfit Eleanor bought. Blue with a bear. Too big but he'll grow into it. Small party. Eleanor, Sophie. Two case managers. No family. No Caleb.
Cake, balloons, presents. Normal first birthday. Except tomorrow everything changes. Tomorrow the supervised visits start.
Evan sits in his high chair watching everyone. Serious little face. Always studying. He looks exactly like Caleb. More every day. Dark hair that won't lie flat. Deep eyes. Strong jaw forming.
My son, his father's face.
Eleanor lights the candle. "Make a wish."
Already did. Same wish every night for a year. Keep him safe and mine. I blow it out for Evan. He claps and laughs. Everyone sings. He
