“You’re going to regret this.
***
I brought all seven kids. They were part of every decision I made.
Thomas opened the front door.
“You’ve got a few hours.”
I nodded.
***
The house felt different as I walked through slowly.
The photos were still there. I stepped closer this time. Younger versions of Daniel, Claire, and Mark, smiling.
“You’ve got a few hours.
I glanced toward the hallway.
“Go ahead, explore,” I told my kids.
Within seconds, they were running through the house, playing and laughing.
I froze because I hadn’t heard that sound in that house before.
It filled every room.
I leaned against the wall, closing my eyes.
Arthur had lived here alone for years.
And now… it didn’t feel empty.
It felt as if it had been waiting.
