Emma
By evening, Alex and I stepped out for a walk around the neighbourhood.
“Mom, what about the park you showed me on your phone back in New Jersey?” he asked. “Why don’t we go see it before school starts?”
“That’s a great idea,” I said, ruffling his curls.
Alex was growing sharper by the day. He noticed things, asked questions and even helped with small plans around the house, things I hadn’t realised I needed help with. My heart swelled with quiet pride.
We boarded a London double‑decker bus and headed to the park a few streets away.
The moment we walked in, Alex’s energy exploded. He bounced ahead, already scanning the space.
“Alex!”
We both turned to the right. A boy stood a short distance away, waving, a woman beside him.
“Mom, look, it’s Ben!” Alex said, his face lighting
