CHAPTER 15: UNDER THE SAME SKY
On Leo’s first official birthday—celebrated on his true birth date—the small cottage was filled with laughter and warmth.
Neighbors, friends from the bakery, and Sergeant Ramirez gathered in the backyard beneath strings of fairy lights. A homemade vanilla cake sat on the picnic table, topped with a single glowing candle.
Elena stood by the fence as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in deep purples and warm oranges. Above the treeline, the first sliver of the evening moon appeared—a delicate, glowing crescent.
She looked up at the sky, feeling Julian’s presence beside her, whispering that everything was going to be alright.
Leo toddled over on his unsteady little legs, wrapping his arms around Elena’s knees and babbling happily. Elena bent down, scooped him up, and held him close against her heart.
No more dark hallways. No more stolen secrets. No more fear.
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“Make a wish, my sweet boy,” Elena whispered as she carried him toward the glowing candle on the table.
Leo blew a tiny puff of air, making the flame flicker and dance before extinguishing into a ribbon of sweet smoke. As everyone cheered and clapped, Elena kissed her son’s forehead, knowing that their long, dark night was finally over, and their bright future had just begun.
