Chapter 32 - The Birthday Party
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Leoās sixth birthday was a monumental milestone. It was the absolute first birthday he was celebrating in the countryside, entirely surrounded by genuine friends and profound love.
Richard transformed the entire backyard into a massive, chaotic carnival. He rented a bouncy castle, set up a face-painting station, and hired a local magician from the village.
By noon, the estate was flooded with children from Leoās kindergarten class, including his best friend, Tommy. The air was filled with loud music, chaotic screaming, and the undeniable, beautiful sound of pure childhood joy.
Leo was running wildly across the lawn, his face painted to look like a fierce tiger, holding a bright red balloon.
Aunt Sarah walked up to Richard, handing him a cold bottle of beer.
āYou went all out, little brother,ā Sarah laughed, gesturing to the massive bouncy castle.
āHe deserves every single second of it,ā Richard said proudly, clinking his bottle against hers. āHe survived a nightmare, Sarah. Today, I just want him to be a completely normal, wildly happy six-year-old boy.ā
āHe is,ā Sarah assured him, watching her nephew tackle Tommy into a pile of soft grass. āYou saved him, Richard. You gave him his childhood back.ā
When it was time for the cake, Clara brought out a massive, two-tiered chocolate masterpiece shaped exactly like a treehouse. The entire crowd of children sang loudly and off-key.
Leo closed his eyes tightly, making a silent, profound wish, before blowing out all six candles in a single, powerful breath.
As the children cheered and demanded immediate slices of cake, Leo ran over and hugged Richardās legs tightly.
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āThank you, Daddy,ā Leo whispered fiercely. āThis is the best home ever.ā
āHappy birthday, buddy,ā Richard smiled, knowing with absolute certainty that no amount of money could ever buy the immense joy in his sonās eyes.
