Three years later...
The morning sun rose over the quiet coastal town of Seabrook, painting the sky in shades of gold and pale orange. Fishing boats drifted back toward the harbor while shop owners opened their stores for another busy day. The salty breeze carried laughter through the streets, and for the first time in years, Emily Carter woke with a genuine smile.
She stood in the doorway of a brightly decorated bedroom, watching two small children sleeping peacefully.
Noah had kicked off his blanket during the night, one tiny arm wrapped protectively around a stuffed dinosaur. Beside him, Nora hugged a plush rabbit almost as big as herself, her curly hair spread across the pillow.
Emily walked over quietly.
She gently pulled Noah's blanket back over him.
"You always do this," she w
