He laughed softly. \u201cYou\u2019re growing up too fast.\u201d<\/p>\n
She grinned \u2014 that same mischievous spark her mom used to have. \u201cI\u2019ll save you a cookie from lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDeal,\u201d he said, and kissed the top of her head.<\/p>\n
As he walked toward the door, he heard her voice ring out behind him, clear and confident. \u201cBye, Daddy! I love you!\u201d<\/p>\n
Every parent turned to look, and he turned too, smiling despite the tears in his eyes. \u201cI love you too, peanut.\u201d<\/p>\n
Outside, the autumn air felt different \u2014 lighter somehow. Ethan sat in his truck, staring at the school building. For the first time in a long time, he didn\u2019t feel the crushing weight of grief pressing on his chest. Instead, he felt something like\u2026 peace.<\/p>\n
He thought of his wife \u2014 her laughter, her warmth, the way she used to say,\u00a0\u201cOne day, you\u2019ll see her take off on her own. And you\u2019ll realize you did okay.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
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