Annie adjusted her dress and took a deep breath as she pushed open the door to her home. The familiar scent of warmth and comfort washed over her, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions she had been trying to keep at bay. Before she could even set her things down, Ryan rushed towards her, his small arms wrapping around her legs in a tight hug.
"Mommy!" he exclaimed, his voice bubbling with excitement. Annie couldn't help but smile as she bent down to scoop him up into her arms. The weight of him, his giggles, and his bright blue eyes were an anchor in the midst of the storm raging inside her.
"Hey, sweetheart," she murmured, kissing the top of his head. "Did you have fun today?"
Ryan's face lit up even more, if that was possible, as he launched into a rapid-fire recount of his day. "It was so fun, Mommy! There were rides and candy and, oh, oh! Aunt Emily found a new boyfriend!"
