Molly
The first station is exactly as horrifying as it sounds.
A long plastic sheet covered in syrup.
We’re supposed to crawl across it…together.
I stare at it for half a second, then look at Lily.
She looks back at me.
We both burst into laughter.
“This is insane,” I say.
“This is amazing!” she counters.
And then we dive in.
The syrup is cold, sticky, and immediately ruins every ounce of dignity I’ve ever had. My palms slide, my knees protest, and somewhere in the distance I can practically hear Charles having a damn heart attack.
My body isn’t fully healed. I can feel it. A dull ache in my side, a slight pull when I push too hard.
But Lily is laughing. Laughing like the happiest kid alive. And suddenly, the pain feels smaller.
“Come on, Mommy!” she giggles.
Mommy.
That wor
