The morning sun spilled into the living room, painting soft golden streaks across the walls. Emma, now a bright, energetic twelve-month-old, sat on the play mat with a small party hat perched crookedly on her head. She batted at colorful balloons, her dark eyes wide with curiosity and excitement, squealing every time one bounced toward her.
Lily stood nearby, adjusting a ribbon on the homemade birthday banner. She couldn’t stop smiling, even though her chest ached with a mixture of nostalgia and pride. Twelve months. One year.
Ethan crouched beside Emma, holding her steady as she wobbled, ready to stand on her own. “Ready to make a little wish?” he asked, voice soft, filled with warmth. Emma’s tiny hands reached for him, as if she understood every word.
“You’ve grown so fast,” Lily whis
