raced between the sofa and the fireplace.

Someone was laughing in the kitchen.

The Christmas tree stood in the corner, covered in gold ornaments and white lights.

For a few minutes, everything felt exactly as I had hoped.

Relatives admired Lily’s outfit.

My cousins asked about her latest milestones.

Mark offered Evan a drink.

Jenna, my sister-in-law, came over and gently took Lily into her arms.

Jenna had three children of her own, and she had been especially kind to me during Lily’s first months.

She never treated Lily’s small