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Evelyn’s fingers tapped rapidly against her scrub pocket, her expression locked in grim determination. The air inside the cramped storage closet smelled faintly of industrial detergent and powdered baby formula, a sterile scent that did little to calm the rising panic clawing at my throat. / Chapter 17 / 20

Chapter 17 - First Steps in the Sand

Eleven months passed in a blur of growth, first teeth, and sleepless nights that now felt like badges of honor rather than tools for control. On a bright Saturday morning, the tide was low, and the golden sand of the private beach near our home stretched out like an endless canvas. Caleb, now nearly a year old, wobbled unsteadily on his chubby legs, his bare toes sinking into the warm, damp sand for the very first time. I crouched a few feet away with my arms open wide, my heart swelling with an emotion so fierce it brought tears to my eyes.

"Come on, buddy! You can do it!" I cheered, laughing as he took two clumsy, determined steps forward before collapsing backward into the soft sand with a gleeful squeal.

Evelyn and Nina, sitting nearby on a large beach blanket, burst into applause, cheering him on as he scrambled back up on all fours to try again.

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