Chapter 10 - A Real Celebration
A year passed. It was New Year’s Eve again.
The air outside was freezing, just like it had been the year before. But inside my house, it was warm, bright, and loud. We had invited Sarah’s family, a few neighbors, and the kids' school friends.
The dining table was covered in pizza boxes, sparkling cider, and cupcakes. Music was playing, and the sound of children laughing filled every corner of the room. It was messy, chaotic, and absolutely perfect.
As the countdown to midnight began on the television, Emma and Noah ran up to me, throwing their arms around my waist.
“Ten! Nine! Eight!” the room shouted in unison.
I looked down at my two beautiful children. They were smiling, their eyes bright, completely unbothered by the ghosts of the past. They didn't need expensive, glittery bags to feel loved. They just needed to be seen, protected, and cherished.
“Three! Two! One! Happy New Year!”
May you like
Confetti popped. Noah cheered, and Emma squeezed my hand. We walked into the kitchen, the echoes of laughter behind us, and I pulled out the griddle.
“Alright,” I smiled, pulling a massive bag of chocolate chips from the pantry. “Who is ready for some midnight pancakes?”
