New Day

With a gentle sigh, Luciana carried Charlie to her room and carefully laid him on the bed. She freshened up, washing away the day's events, and then slipped into bed beside him, the soft sheets welcoming her tired body. As she settled in, Charlie stirred beside her, his eyes fluttering open for a brief moment before he realized where he was.

A wave of happiness washed over Charlie. For the first time, he was sharing a bed with someone who cared for him like a mother. He had always heard his friends talk about the comfort of snuggling up to their moms, feeling safe and loved as they drifted off to sleep. He had never experienced that before, but tonight felt like a chance to finally know what it was like.