Chapter 38

• Six months had passed since the twins, Aria and Ethan, dramatically entered our lives, and things in the Caldwell household had settled into a joyful rhythm. It was chaotic at times, sure, but it was the kind of chaos that filled our hearts with warmth and our home with laughter. The twins were growing beautifully, their little personalities already shining through. Aria, with her wide, curious eyes, absorbed everything around her, while Ethan's giggles were so infectious they could make even Marcus, our stoic security chief, crack a smile.
• On this crisp autumn morning, I was sitting cross-legged on the floor of my studio, surrounded by a vibrant mess of paints and canvases. Nearby, the twins played in their custom-designed playpen—a surprise from Nathan that looked more like a piece of modern art than a baby enclosure. It was his way of supporting my passion for art while fostering our children's creativity.
• I was deep into my latest project: a series of paintings that would be auctioned at the upcoming Caldwell-Simone Foundation gala. Each canvas told the story of a survivor's journey, their struggles and triumphs expressed through my brushstrokes. Creating these pieces was not only therapeutic for me but also a way to honor the courage of those who shared their stories with me.