Chapter 10: New Traditions
Thanksgiving was a hurdle David had been dreading. It was the first major holiday without Sarah, and historically, it was a day dominated by Eleanor’s passive-aggressive comments and rigid demands.
This year, the house smelled entirely different. Instead of a tense, formal dining room, David and Lily were in the kitchen, covered in flour and laughing hysterically.
"Dad, you put way too much cinnamon in that!" Lily giggled, pointing a flour-dusted finger at the mixing bowl.
"There is no such thing as too much cinnamon," David declared solemnly, tapping her on the nose and leaving a white smudge.
They were attempting to bake Sarah’s famous apple pie. It was a messy, chaotic process, but it was theirs. Baby Leo was in his playpen, chewing happily on a silicone turkey toy. There was no fine china, no strained dinner conversation, and no fear.
When they finally sat down at the kitchen table to eat their slightly burnt but delicious pie, David raised his glass of sparkling cider. "To new traditions," he said.
May you like
Lily raised her plastic cup, the silver locket resting over her cozy knit sweater. "To Mom," she added softly.
"To Mom," David echoed. He looked around his warm, safe kitchen, realizing that family wasn't defined by blood or obligation. It was defined by love, safety, and the peace they had fought so hard to protect.
