Chapter 14: The Paper Boat
On a warm summer evening on Lake Como, the family gathered on the wooden pier at twilight.
The sky was painted in shades of violet, peach, and deep sapphire. The water was as smooth as polished glass, reflecting the first evening stars.
Liam and Lucas stood at the edge of the pier, holding their handmade beeswax paper boats. Inside each boat was a tiny glowing tea light.
""Make a wish before you launch them,"" Claire said, kneeling between the boys.
""I wish we can live by the lake forever,"" Liam announced immediately.
""You're not supposed to say it out loud, silly!"" Lucas giggled, elbowing his brother playfully. ""I wish Mommy teaches us how to play the cello next year.""
""Both wishes are granted,"" Andrew laughed, stepping onto the pier and wrapping his arms around Claire from behind.
Together, the boys leaned down and gently placed their paper boats onto the water. With a gentle push, the tiny vessels drifted outward, their small lights glowing brightly against the vast, dark expanse of the lake.
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The family stood hand-in-hand, watching the lights travel safely across the calm water until they became indistinguishable from the stars reflected on the surface.
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