Chapter 17: The School Play
By autumn, Lily had blossomed into a confident third-grader. When the school announced the annual fall play, a whimsical production about talking forest animals, Lily immediately auditioned and landed the role of the wise old owl.
Opening night was a packed house in the elementary school auditorium. David sat in the third row, holding a bouquet of yellow daisies, with Leo sitting quietly on his lap, mesmerized by the bright stage lights.
When Lily stepped onto the stage in her feathered costume, David’s heart swelled with pride. She delivered her lines loudly and clearly, without a hint of stage fright. Underneath the collar of her costume, the silver chain of her mother's locket was just visible, gleaming under the theatrical spotlights.
After the final curtain call, David met her in the chaotic hallway outside the auditorium.
"You were amazing, kiddo," David beamed, handing her the daisies. "The wisest owl I've ever seen."
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"I wasn't even scared, Dad," Lily said, her face flushed with excitement. "I just pretended I was talking to you and Leo in the living room."
David hugged her tightly, mindful of the fragile feather wings on her back. She was fearless. The timid, terrified little girl cowering in the corner of her brother’s room was a distant memory.
