A bank of storm clouds gathered over Tianjin's rugged coastline as the Li family's convertible rounded the hairpin curves of the coastal road. Lynn sat beside Lucian, guitar case strapped to her back for their impromptu cliffside picnic, Milo perched in the backseat clutching his octopus plush, and Kai nestled in his baby carrier. The afternoon had begun with laughter—shared memories from therapy homework, favorite childhood songs, and the promise of fresh sea breeze.
“Mommy, why do the waves crash so hard?" Milo asked, pressing his nose against the window.
Lynn smiled and ruffled his hair. “Because the ocean is powerful, honey. Sometimes, life's power feels overwhelming, but we learn to ride the waves together."
Lucian caught her gaze in the rearview mirror and offered a soft nod of su
