Rose was practically bouncing with excitement, her small frame unable to contain the sheer joy radiating from her. With her overnight bag slung over one shoulder and her beloved turtle clutched tightly in her arms, she was more than ready to attempt her very first sleepover at Benjamin’s. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and her feet barely touched the ground as she hurried toward the car, her excitement contagious.
I had made Benjamin promise not to say anything, not to give her any hints about the conversation we’d had the night before. I wanted Rose to experience this without any preconceived notions, without any expectations beyond just having a fun night. If I kept it neutral, just a simple sleepover, I would get her most honest reaction. If she truly loved it, if she felt safe a
