Sienna’s POV


    This morning was different than usual. As soon as I opened my eyes, the sound of Noah jogging down the hall was clear to hear. He was so excited, even before I could fully get out of bed.


    “Mommy! Hurry, Mommy! Today’s goodbye!” he called out, knocking on my bedroom door.


    I smiled slightly, a warm feeling filling my chest. Waking up to my son’s enthusiasm gave me a strong reason to keep going, even though my body still often felt weak. I quickly got ready, choosing a simple, soft–colored dress and styling my hair so it didn’t look too tangled.


    When I exited the room, I found Liam already dressed up in a blue shirt that made him look fresh. He turned and smiled faintly, his gaze softening when he saw me. “Are you ready?” he asked.


    I nodded slowly. “Yes. Now, Noah is all that’s left.”


    But before I could continue, Noah appeared in his neat school uniform and a wide, unconceble smile. I’m handsome, right, Mommy?” he asked confidently, his eyes sparkling with pride.


    I bent my knees to be level with him and adjusted his slightly crooked shirt cor. “Of course, you look


    the most handsome today,” I said, kissing his forehead. His face lit up, and it made me chuckle too.


    It wasn’t long before the three of us were out to the car. The morning air was crisp and the sky was clear, as if this day had been specially prepared for Noah. As I sat in the passenger seat, I could see in the


    rearview mirror how Noah was smiling nonstop, staring out the window with infectious enthusiasm.


    I sighed softly and nced at Liam, who was driving calmly. There was a strange feeling in my chest, a mix of nervousness, emotion, and a little fear. This was the first time I’d been to Noah’s important


    moment in a long time.


    But seeing how happy he was, I knew I’d made the right decision. Today wasn’t about me, not about hurt


    or the past. Today was about Noah, about the happiness he deserved, undisturbed by anything.


    I clenched my fingers in myp and smiled a little. Yes, I would be there for him. No matter what.


    The car drove slowly along the bustling streets. The sound of the enginebined with the rush of the morning breezeing in through the small window beside Noah, which he had deliberately opened slightly. His soft hair fluttered lightly, and his eyes kept sparkling, as if the world outside the ss was a


    wonder.


    “<b>Daddy</b>, look! There are red balloons at that store!” Noah eximed, pointing to a small stall on the side <b>of </b>


    the road.


    Liam nced briefly<b>, </b>then smiled faintly. “Yeah, I <b>see </b>them. Do you want some balloons too?<b>” </b>


    <i>” </i>


    Noah shook his head quickly. <b>“</b>No,ter. Today I want to focus on school.”


    I turned to him, smiling along with him at his sincerity. “Wow, Noah’s grown so much. Mommy’s proud of you.”


    The boy immediately blushed and lowered his head, but his smile remained. “Because Mommy’sing


    so Noah has to be enthusiastic.”


    His words made my heart sink and warm at the same time. I nced at Liam, who seemed tense for a moment behind the wheel. He didn’t say anything, just elerated slightly. I knew Noah’s simple words could move anyone, including him.


    The atmosphere fell silent again for a moment, filled only by the soft melody of music ying on the radio. I leaned my head against the window, gazing at the rows of trees lining the street. My thoughts drifted, about lost days, about how often I’d missed moments like this. It felt both foreign and familiar.


    “Noah, have you memorized the song?” Liam finally asked, breaking the silence.


    The boy nodded firmly. “Yes! Noah keeps practicing with his friends.” He then turned to me, his eyes full of enthusiasm. “Mommy, do you want to hear me practice a little?”


    Iughed softly. “Of course.”


    Without hesitation, Noah broke into a soft sing–song, his voice still innocent, sometimes off–key, but full of sincerity. I felt my chest flutter as I listened. That simple song, about friendship and separation, sounded so profounding from my own son.


    I nced discreetly at Liam. He wasn’t singing, not joining in, but I could see his hands gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. There was something about his face, a mix of pride and bitterness, that made me pause.


    When Noah finished, I pped my hands together. “That was great! Mommy’s sure everyone will love it.”


    Noahughed, his face flushed. “Thanks<b>, </b>Mommy.”


    The journey continued, and I began to notice little things: the way Liam asionally nced in the rearview mirror to make sure Noah was okay, the way Noah leaned out the window to take in every new sight, and the way I silently tried tomit it all to memory.


    “Can we eat together after the event?” Noah asked suddenly.


    I paused. “Of course, if Daddy agrees.”


    Liam nced over briefly, his eyes meeting mine for a split second, then returned to the road. “We’ll see. If Mommy isn’t too tired.”


    I bit my lip, unsure of what to feel. There was concern in his voice, but also a palpable distance.


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    Noah didn’t care; he already seemed happy at the mere prospect. “Yeah! Let’s eat together again!”


    I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Today was all about Noah. And I was determined not


    to let anything ruin it.


    The car continued to move, bringing us closer to the school and, at the same time, closer to the


    realization that this simple joy might be more fragile than it seems.


    The school looked even more festive than usual when we arrived. Colorful balloons were neatly tied


    along the gate, and a small stage had already been erected in the field, decorated with soft blue and white fabric. Cheerful music wafted faintly from the speakers, mixed with theughter and shouts of children running around in their neat uniforms.


    Noah was so excited he almost forgot to hold my hand. “Come on, Mommy! Hurry! I have to meet my friends!” he eximed, half running.


    I smiled, letting go of his grip. “Go, honey. Mommy will sit with Daddy over there.”


    Noah nodded quickly, then ran toward the small group of children already being guided by their teacher. I followed his gaze until his small body finally joined his friends. There was a warm sense of pride, mixed with a hard–to–describe emotion.


    Liam gently touched my arm. “Let’s sit over there,” he said, pointing to the guest chairs neatly arranged in front of the stage. I nodded, following his lead. We sat side by side, close enough to see Noah’s face clearly.


    Shortly after, the event began. The principal gave a brief wee, followed by several opening performances. I felt time slow down as my heart pounded erratically, waiting for Noah to take the stage.


    Finally, it was Noah’s group’s turn. I held my breath as I heard his name. The children stepped onto the stage in neat, simple, colorful costumes. Noah stood in the center row, his face beaming with a wide, unfailing smile.


    As the music began, they began to sing. Their small voices blended together, though not always in rhythm, but that was the beauty of it. I stared at Noah, my eyes welling up with tears. Seeing him standing there, so confident<b>, </b>so full of enthusiasm, made my chest flutter.


    The small stage in the school hall was decorated with colorful balloons and a simple white cloth hung behind it. In the audience, parents sat in neat rows, some busily setting up their cell phone cameras to record their children’s performance. I could feel my heart rate increase as Noah’s name was called by the teacher who was hosting the event.


    <b>“</b>Noah and group three, pleasee up to the stage.”


    The little boy stepped forward with his friends. His white and blue uniform looked a little too big in the shoulders, making him look even more petite. But his stride was steady. His hair was still a bit messy,


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    even though I’d styled it this morning, and that actually made him look adorable.


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