Chapter 10 - The Table under the Sun
Four years later.
The summer sun shone warmly over our estate in Sea Island.
Today was Liam’s tenth birthday.
The backyard had been transformed into a wonderful celebration space—colorful banners hung from the live oak trees, a large white tent provided shade, and a massive cake shaped like a pirate ship sat in the center of a long wooden dining table set up on the emerald lawn.
Over thirty children—Liam’s classmates, friends from the sports club, and neighbors—were running around playing tag, their cheerful shouts filling the warm coastal air.
I stood near the edge of the lawn, watching the joy unfold.
Liam, now a tall, handsome ten-year-old with a bright smile and confidence that lit up every room he entered, was standing at the head of the long wooden table, surrounded by his friends.
"Alright, everyone!" Liam called out, laughing as he picked up the cake knife. "Time for cake!"
The children gathered around the table, taking their seats on the benches, singing "Happy Birthday" at the top of their lungs.
I walked over slowly, standing at the end of the table.
Liam looked up from the cake, his bright blue eyes meeting mine through the crowd of laughing children. He smiled—a smile completely free of fear, completely filled with safety, certainty, and warmth.
He held up a large slice of chocolate cake on a plate and walked around the table toward me.
"First slice goes to Mommy," Liam said, handing me the plate with a grin.
"Thank you, my sweet boy," I said, my heart brimming with a joy so profound it brought sweet tears to my eyes.
We sat down together at the head of the table, side by side under the golden sunlight, surrounding ourselves with laughter, music, and the people who loved us.
May you like
There were no shadows anymore. No dark spaces, no hidden corners, and no fear.
We were sitting at the table, together, under the open sky—a mother and her son, whole, victorious, and forever free.
