MasukSienna's POV
After everything was set on the breakfast table, I glanced at the clock and realized Noah must be fully awake by now. There was no way that child would fall back asleep after leaving his room earlier. I walked over to him, sitting on the sofa hugging his stuffed toy, his eyes still half-open.“Come on, sweetheart,” I called softly, brushing his hair. “Let’s take a bath so you’ll feel fresh.”Noah nodded slightly, though he still looked sleepy. I took his hand and ledSienna's POVI closed my eyes for a moment before opening the first page of the book in my hands. In front of me the children settled into a circle on the carpet that had been prepared for story time.A smile spread across my face as I looked at them. Their bright eyes were filled with excitement and curiosity."Are you all ready to hear a story?""We're ready!"Their cheerful voices echoed throughout the hall. I opened the page and smiled once more."Today Mommy is going to tell you a story about a mother who loved her child with all her heart."Silence immediately filled the room. Every child listened with attention."One day a little boy was. From that moment his mothers entire world changed. His first cry was the most beautiful sound she had ever heard.""From that day on every morning began with his smile. Every evening ended with his tiny hug."
Sienna's POV I looked toward the stage.A tiny wood chair was set under a light. Next to it was a shelf with my new book on it.My heart immediately began beating faster.I had almost forgotten.There was still one final event waiting for me.The book reading.Liam gently took my hand. His smile never wavered."Ready?"I let out a long breath."I think so."His expression softened."It doesn't have to be great. The kids just want to hear Mommy tell them a tale."I nodded slowly.Those words calmed my nerves more than anything else can.The man went on to the stage once more. The place slowly got quieter."Alright, boys and girls."The hall fell almost completely silent."We're gonna start the best part of today's party. Who likes having stories
Sienna's POV At ten o'clock that morning the lights in the hall got a bit dim. Soft music played in the room, then nice applause came from guests who filled all the seats.I sat in the first row by Liam. Liliana was next to me with her small boy on her lap, while William sat next to them with a grin as he absorbed the happy mood.The man walked on the stage. His voice rang out loud in the room"Welcome to Noah's Light Foundation."Claps filled the space once more. My heart got warm each time I heard Noah's name said out loud.I looked at Liam. A small grin came on his lips as he softly held my hand on the lap."I'm nervous," I whispered softly.Liam laughed softly. His eyes were full of joy."The kids͏ are the ones acting, but their mom is the jumpy one."I chuckled softly. My eyes moved to the stage."They must be even more nervous."
Sienna's POV Liliana gripped my hand. She didn’t speak, but her eyes showed me all I needed to know.Far away, Liam was aiding a few helpers set up the seats in front of the stage. Now and then he made jokes with kids, causing them to laugh out loud.I saw him for a little while. Five years ago, we nearly lost one another.We both sank in sadness that felt never-ending. Today we stood in the same spot, not as two folks who just got through loss but like two folks who picked to keep on living.That pick was not easy. There were times when the hurt came back like it had never gone away.There were nights when we still wept in silence. Every morning, though, we grabbed for one another's hands and found the power to go on again.I took a big breath. The smell of new bread mixed with the nice smell of flowers growing in the yard.The sounds of kids shouting to each other bounced around
Sienna's POVThat morning, the place that had been a home to many kids for the last five years changed into a splash of colors. Blue, white, yellow and pink balloons adorned every corner of the hall while ribbons hung from the ceiling swaying softly in the breeze blowing through open windows.A tiny stage stood in the front yard with a book shelf beside it. At the back of the stage hung b͏ig banner that said Noah's Book Reading Day.Long tables sat on one side of the room, topped with many types of food. There was a big birthday cake with clouds and sun, bright cupcakes, jars full of sweets, fresh fruit, and the smell of warm bread floating from the kitchen where the staff had been busy since morning.The kids started to come one by one. The girls had plain dresses with small bows in their hair, while the boys showed up in tidy shirts and long pants.A few of them dashed right to me. "Mommy Sienna, see my dress? Am I pretty
Sienna's POVTheir requests made me chuckle. The entire room seemed to fill with warmth and light.We sat together in a circle on the carpet. The younger children eagerly fought for the spots for me while the older ones helped their younger siblings sit neatly.I slowly opened the page of the book. I smiled as I looked at all the little faces."Is everyone ready?" I asked with a smile. "Ready!" they answered in unison.I began reading the story. Now. Then I changed my voice for each character making them burst into laughter."Mommy the wolf sounds funny!" one child exclaimed. "That is not a wolf." I protested playfully. "That is the voice of a dragon."The children laughed harder. Liam, who was standing by the library door, simply shook his head with a smile.An hour passed before I even realized it. When the story ended several children were still hugging their books with smiles.
Rachel's POV I stood up from the dining chair with mixed feelings.Mom’s words were still echoing clearly in my head. Use your mind. Watch his reaction. Call Steven.My heart was beating strangely. I had never imagined I would have to test someone like this. But the past two weeks ha
Noah's POV I immediately sped up my eating when Mommy started smiling with that overly meaningful look in her eyes.The only safe option was to escape.“I’m done,” I said quickly as I stood up. “I’m going to work on my college assignment.”“So diligent,” Mommy commented in a tone
Sienna’s POV I lowered my head. The wound inside me tore open even wider when Liam responded to the suggestion with a tone as if it had just saved the morning. “Yeah, that’s a much better idea. I’m not even sure that food is safe if you’re the one cooking. What if it’s contagious?” The words—co
Sienna’s POV I walked slowly to my room, down the hallway that once felt warm but now seemed so unfamiliar. The dim lights on the walls cast faint shadows that followed my steps, but it wasn’t the darkness that made my feet feel so heavy. As I passed by Noah’s room, a sound stopped me in my track







