away from life

Ellie was a miracle to her mother. Doctors had told her again and again that she would never be able to have children. Each visit ended the same way—with quiet apologies and empty hope. So when she saw the positive test, her hands trembled and tears streamed down her face. She couldn’t believe it. She prayed every night that nothing would happen to the baby growing inside her. When Ellie was born, her mother held her close and whispered, “You are my gift. My everything.” From that day on, Ellie was never alone. Her mother watched her every move, memorizing her laugh, her tiny hands, the way she smiled when she felt safe. For Ellie’s fourth birthday, her mother wanted to make the day special. She braided Ellie’s hair, tied a pink ribbon around it, and took her out to a small restaurant downtown. Ellie sat happily at the table, swinging her legs and smiling wide. “Mommy,” she said excitedly, “can I get cake and ice cream?” Her mother laughed. “Anything you want, birthday girl.” “I won’t move,” Ellie promised as her mother stood up. “I’ll stay right here.” “I’ll be right back,” her mother said, kissing Ellie’s forehead.