Chapter 10: The Math Test

I tiptoe into Ellie’s room. She’s asleep, hugging her purple llama. Her hair fans across the pillow, cheeks rosy. The nightlight glows softly over her desk and coloring books.

My wife’s health was fragile—it took years to have Ellie. We treasure her like she’s made of glass.

I spot her math test on the desk. She scored 46. She’d doodled a unicorn in the margin. Honestly, I was proud.

She doesn’t need to be a genius. I tuck her in, kiss her forehead, and slip out, heart lighter.