Chapter 2: The Small Haven
Their apartment was a small, two-bedroom unit on the third floor of an old brick building downtown. It was far from luxurious, but as Kristen unlocked the door, the familiar scent of cinnamon tea and warm laundry greeted them. She turned on the soft floor lamp, flooding the tiny living room with a cozy light.
""Shoes off, sweethearts. Let's make some hot chocolate,"" Kristen announced, forcing a bright smile onto her tired face.
While the kids settled at the kitchen counter, Kristen took a deep breath. Money was tight—ever since her husband had passed away two years ago, she had worked two part-time jobs just to cover rent and groceries. Going to her aunt's dinner had been a desperate attempt to reconnect with her remaining family, hoping for a shred of warmth. Instead, she was met with cold contempt.
As Maya drew pictures at the small wooden table, Leo carefully set his blue birdhouse in the middle of the window sill, looking out over the city street below.
""Will a bird really come live in it, Mom?"" he asked softly.
May you like
""If you build a place with love, Leo, someone who needs shelter will always find it,"" Kristen said, kissing the top of his head as she handed him a mug with extra marshmallows.
That night, after the children were tucked under their quilts, Kristen sat at her small desk. She stared at her bank account balance and then at Leo’s wooden birdhouse catching the moonlight on the sill. She made a silent vow: she would never let her children feel unwanted again.
