Time moved forward without a sound.
Year after year slipped by, until before they knew it, the Blackwood family had entered a chapter of life vastly different from their past.
Where once every day had felt like a struggle just to survive, life now proceeded in peace and stability.
It was not perfect, but it was filled with genuine happiness.
Sophia stood on the balcony of their master bedroom one bright morning, gazing out at the mansion's garden bathed in sunlight.
A soft morning breeze drifted by, carrying the scent of flowers from the garden below.
From where she stood, Sophia could see their son — now growing taller and more mature — walking toward the school bus with his bag slung over his shoulder.
The little boy who had once always clung tightly to her hand was slowly growing into an independent young man.
And like all parents everywhere…
Sophia felt a mixture of emotions difficult to put into words.
Pride.
Joy.
