Chapter 10 - The Circle of Light
That evening, we held a small family dinner at our home.
The old wooden table was set with our best china. The golden bistro lights in the backyard glowed through the French doors, casting a soft, warm ambiance across the room.
Emma sat at the head of the table, showing Brooklyn her graduation ribbon, while David carved a roast in the kitchen.
I walked out onto the back patio alone for a moment, taking in the cool night air. The stars were bright above St. Paul, glittering like diamonds across the dark velvet sky.
I looked over toward the garage. The old pale blue bicycle wasn't there anymore—it had been donated two years ago to a local charity that provided bikes to underprivileged children in the city. Another little girl was riding it now, building her own happy memories under a safer sky.
David walked out onto the patio, carrying two glasses of wine. He handed one to me and wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me against his side.
"What are you thinking about, birthday girl?" he asked softly.
"I was thinking about the sound," I admitted quietly, looking up at the stars.
"Which sound?"
"Not the sound of the bat," I said, turning to look into my husband's warm, loving eyes. "I was thinking about the sound of Emma laughing on the stage today. The sound of Brooklyn calling this house her home. The sound of a family that finally learned how to love each other properly."
David smiled, leaning down to kiss my forehead. "That's the only sound that matters now, Anita."
From inside the house, Emma called out, "Mom! Dad! Come on, the cake is getting warm!"
May you like
"We're coming, sweetheart!" I called back.
I took one last look at the quiet, peaceful yard, let out a deep, satisfying breath, and walked inside, leaving the dark behind for good, surrounded forever by the bright, unbreakable light of the family we had chosen to build.
