The next afternoon, I arrived at the park, scanning the area until I spotted Grachelle and Charlie near a large oak tree. Charlie was tossing a bright red ball in the air, catching it clumsily in his small hands, his whole face lighting up every time he managed to grab it. When he saw me, he waved enthusiastically, his excitement contagious.
"Ram!" he shouted, running over and shoving the ball into my hands. "Wanna play catch?"
I glanced over at Grachelle, who gave me an encouraging nod, her expression warm.
"I'd love to, Charlie," I said, grinning back at him.
I took a few steps back, tossing the ball underhanded and watching as he scrambled to catch it. His face was set in determination, his eyes following the ball's arc as it came down toward him. Grachelle settled onto a nearby ben
