She rolled toward the kitchen.
Turned around.
Then returned to us with a huge smile.
“Julian, it’s so much easier!”
My son grinned.
“That’s what I hoped.”
Watching the two children laugh together made me realize how much this moment meant to both of them.
When we finally left, Jillian thanked us again.
Maya waved from the doorway.
“See you at school!”
Julian waved back.
For the rest of the evening, he seemed happier than I’d seen him in weeks.
He didn’t mention the missing guitar.
Not once.
Before bedtime, I stood in his doorway.
“Do you regret selling it?”
He thought for a moment.
“I’ll miss it.”
Then he smiled.
“But I don’t regret helping Maya.”
I kissed his forehead.
“Good night, sweetheart.”
As I switched off the hallway light, I believed the story had reached its happy ending.
I had no idea what was coming the following morning.
Part 3: The unexpected visitors
