luxurious suite, Lily stirred again, waking up completely. “Where should we put the flowers, Daddy?” she asked sleepily.
Ethan looked toward the large mahogany table situated right next to the massive floor-to-ceiling window. From there, the entire Chicago skyline was illuminated, the headlights of the cars moving down Michigan Avenue like a river of gold.
“Right there, sweetie,” Ethan said. “Where Mommy can see them beautifully.”
Lily nodded with that deep, solemn seriousness unique to children who understand the weight of love, even if they don’t fully comprehend the permanence of death. Lupita carefully set the vase down on the polished wood. One of the central roses was slightly bent at the stem, but it remained vibrant and intact.
Lily reached out a tiny finger, gently touching the petal. “This one looks really tired.”
Lupita knelt down to eye level with her, offering a warm, reassuring smile. “Sometimes, the tired
