The Umbrella in the Storm: When One Sandwich Turns Into a Forever Promise

Christmas came anyway.

Because it always does.

The world doesn’t pause for grief.

The morning was loud with wrapping paper and Lily’s squeals and Noah’s “this is actually kind of cool” pretending-not-to-care voice.

Toby sat on the floor, staring at the tree like it was a strange animal.

I’d bought him a few small gifts—nothing extravagant. A warm coat. continue reading …