LOGINSienna's POV
Ten Years LaterThis morning the house feels too quiet. Strangely, not because it’s empty but because I know that soon, everything about it will change. Today Noah starts college.The little boy who used to run to greet me at the school gate, who always asked for a hug before bed, is now standing in front of the mirror fixing his hair like a grown man.“Should Mommy pack you lunch?” I ask, carrying two glasses of orange juice to the dining taSienna's POV The days after the start of Noah Light Foundation seemed lighter than ever. Somewhere along the road, my everyday habit had silently turned into a part of my life I looked ahead to the most.Every day, I got to the place a bit before all other people. At times, I just sat on the front steps with a hot cup of tea - watching kids come in one by one.Some came to learn. Others went right to the library to look at books, while a few ran after one another around the courtyard with happy giggles.Each time I heard those happy sounds, a grin came to my face. There was a time when I was scared that laughter would just make me think of Noah.Now it was a new way to think of him. Each happy laugh seemed like a soft nudge that his love stayed alive.Noah was away. Six years had gone by since the day I missed him, and six years had gone by since I last held him in my arms.These six years showe
Sienna's POV I raised the book a bit so each kid could see it cover."Now Mommy writes for a lot of nice small readers."The kids suddenly clapped. Some of them happily yelled that they wanted to read every book I will ever write!"Mommy, please write another story.""Yes, Mommy.""I want a funny one."Their happy voices mixed together till the whole room was full of cheerful laughs. Being around them felt like being in a garden with many flowers bloomingI laughed freely before nodding several times."Alright.""Mommy makes a promise to keep writing tales for al͏l of you."Cheers quickly filled the room. Some kids even hugged their pals near them because they were just too happy.I stared at every one of them one by one. Those small faces weren't just kids living in an orphanage no more.They got to be part of m
Sienna'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 POV The main door opened slowly, then came the noise of steps I knew well.Noah quickly turned from his seat and yelled in joy,“Daddy!” before leaping down and rushing to say hi to him.I grinned from the kitchen, still holding a dish I had just cleaned.
Sienna's POV As Liam looked down, I observed his face with a tightening of his jaw and he had stray hair. He was a softly glowing young man who had been exposed to warm light from the lamp above the table. I hadn't had the chance to really see him like this before. He was unlike him, but s
Sienna's POV Within a few minutes of Liam's departure, I was still in my seat, ogling the remains from inside me. As the café became more bustling, glasses clinked, laughter broke out, and an espresso machine hummed up. My thoughts persisted at the table, lingering on despite the gentle con
Sienna's POV I exerted myself as much as I could to keep this family together. My cooking, writing, and cleaning skills were perfected as if they could mend any broken ties between us. It wasn't until the following night that I found myself alone.He was constantly on the move and had ex







