Chapter 13 - THE FIRST BIRTHDAY
Leo's first birthday was held in our garden.
No armed guards standing beside the cake.
No politicians.
No dangerous associates.
Just family, friends, doctors, nurses, and the people who had helped him survive.
Dr. Bennett arrived carrying a stuffed lion.
Hannah laughed.
“Another one?”
He smiled.
“Every Leo needs a lion.”
The cake was shaped like a moon.
Sophia had loved astronomy.
I wanted something that would remind Leo of her.
Hannah helped me choose it.
When everyone gathered, I lifted my son.
He wore a blue sweater and had frosting on his nose.
I looked around the garden.
A year earlier, I'd believed he wouldn't survive the night.
Now he was trying to eat the ribbon on his birthday present.
I laughed.
Then raised my glass.
“Thank you for coming.”
The guests quieted.
“A year ago, my son was born into tragedy.”
I looked at Leo.
“He lost his mother before he could know her.”
My throat tightened.
“But he was surrounded by people who refused to give up on him.”
I looked toward Dr. Bennett.
The nurses.
The therapists.
Then Hannah.
“And one woman heard him cry when the rest of the house was asleep.”
Hannah's eyes filled.
I smiled.
“She helped him through a night we thought he might not survive.”
I paused.
“But she did more than that.”
I looked around.
“She reminded me that kindness can be stronger than fear.”
Applause rose.
Hannah shook her head, embarrassed.
I laughed.
Then kissed Leo's forehead.
“Happy birthday, son.”
He grabbed my nose.
Everyone laughed.
And for the first time, I celebrated something without feeling that happiness was an insult to the dead.
Sophia was still part of our family.
So was Lily.
May you like
Love had not replaced them.
It had simply made room for the living.
