Chapter 36 - The Laughter ReturnsLily looked at the dirt on her father's face, then down at the green grass. A small, bubbly giggle escaped her lips—a sound Mark hadn't heard since Emily passed away.
She ran out onto the lawn, kicking her shoes off, and chased Owen through the sprinklers.
Mark sat on the porch, watching his children run under the bright sun. Their laughter echoed across the yard, sweet and loud, washing away the lingering silence of the past.
May you like
Mrs. Alvarez walked out onto the porch, placing a tray of lemonade on the table. "You did good, Mr. Mark," she said softly, watching the children. "Emily is looking down, and she is very proud of you."
Mark wiped a small tear from his eye and smiled. "I'm just doing what I should have done from the start."
Related Stories
Chapter 37 - A MilestoneA year passed.
Chapter 38 - The School GateAt the school gates, other parents were chatting and waving goodbye to their children.
Chapter 39 - The Garden of RosesThat evening, after picking the children up from school and enjoying a homemade dinner, the family walked down to the beach behind their house.
Chapter 40 - Forever HomeLily ran back toward Mark, holding up a bright, shiny pink seashell she had just found.
