*Kate*
I sit on a bench under the sprawling branches of an oak tree, hidden just enough to observe without being seen. My heart swells as I watch Mirabella laugh and dig in the sandbox. Her bright smile lights up the dreary corners of my mind. She’s so happy, so carefree… just like a child should be. And Athena, oh, she’s a treasure. The way she interacts with Bella, bending down to catch her eye and listening intently as she shares her endless stories, fills me with gratitude.
But then my gaze shifts, and I catch sight of him… Max. It’s a jolt to see him here, laughing lightly with Athena while Noah plays at their feet. In moments like these, I can’t help but wonder how much Sam has shared with him. Max was a friend, but he’s also a reminder of a life I had to leave behind.
I feel a p
