Forever

Six Years Later.

The garden was alive with laughter, children's voices ringing through the warm afternoon air. Ave knelt among the flowers in their garden, carefully picking blossoms and placing them in her basket like she did every afternoon when the kids played in the background. She hummed softly, the melody blending with the rustling leaves and distant birdsong.

A small hand darted into her basket, snatching a flower before she could see it. Quick as a whisper, Ian turned on his heel, about to run off when Ave reached out, catching his wrist with practiced ease.

"Not so fast, sweetheart," she said, amusement dancing in her voice as she pulled him back. It wasn't the first time this afternoon he had come to grab a flower and run off. He'd done it a few times now, and she'd ignored it until he had almost taken everything in the basket.