Chapter 37 - A MilestoneA year passed.
It was the first day of the new school year. Lily was turning nine, and Owen was entering first grade.
Mark stood near the front door, watching them put on their bright yellow backpacks. Lily’s blonde hair was neat and clean, tied with a soft blue ribbon. Owen was grinning, showing off a missing front tooth.
"Do we have everything?" Mark asked, kneeling down to check their bags.
"Yes, Daddy!" Owen chimed proudly. "I have my crayons and my lunchbox!"
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Lily reached into her pocket and pulled out the small white teddy bear—now slightly worn and well-loved, but clean and soft. She tucked it carefully into the side pocket of her backpack.
"Just in case I miss you," she whispered with a shy smile.
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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.
