Chapter 83

• Carla pushed open the front door, the soft creak blending with the cheerful giggles echoing from the living room. A warm smile curved her lips as she stepped inside, the familiar scent of home wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. There, on the plush living room rug, Liam sat cross-legged, his broad shoulders relaxed as he held up a stuffed giraffe, making exaggerated voices that had their one-year-old son, Dom, in fits of delighted laughter.
• Dom’s tiny hands flailed in the air as he squealed, his chubby cheeks flushed with excitement. Liam wiggled the giraffe again, his deep voice adopting a playful tone. “Mr. Giraffe says it’s snack time, Dom! What do you think?”
• Dom responded with a loud, enthusiastic giggle, reaching for the toy with pudgy fingers.