“The Neighbor Who Gave Us Time”

Our oldest… didn’t.

She just wrapped her arms around his neck and held on longer than usual.

I stood in the kitchen doorway, memorizing everything.

The sound of his voice.

The way the girls fit into his arms.

The way he looked back at me—just once—with that silent understanding couples build over years.

Take care of them.

I will.

And then—

the door closed.