Ten Years Later

The laughter reached me before I even opened the gate.

Serena was chasing two puppies around the backyard, her curls bouncing wildly, her laughter high and pure. She wore a plastic tiara and a glittery tutu over her leggings, absolutely convinced she was royalty. And honestly? We all agreed.

Leah stood on the porch with a cup of tea, looking so peaceful I almost forgot everything she’d endured to reach this moment. She waved at me with that same gentle smile—the one ...