Moments later, she returned with the gold gift bag.
“I saved it,” she said. “I just wanted you to have it.”
“You still brought me a gift?” Jason asked.
“Of course,” she said. “It’s your birthday.”
The rest of the day felt peaceful.
Laughter, music, too many desserts.
Ellie stayed close to Jason, grounded by his presence.
That night, I posted a photo of them together, smiling.
Caption:
“Family is love, not blood.”
Two weeks later, Carol called.
Ellie saw the name.
“Is it her?” she asked.
I nodded.
“Can I talk to her?”
