Rissa
I steppedinto the bustling pack house, my stomach twisting with nerves as I clutched the carefully wrapped package under one arm. Balloons bobbed near the ceiling, and colorful streamers hung from the wooden beams, transforming the usually serious space into a lively party atmosphere.
"Rissa, over here." Gavin waved at me from the refreshment table, already digging into a large slice of cake. I made my way through the chattering pack members.
"Took you long enough," he teased with a grin. "Figured you were avoiding the chaos."
I rolled my eyes and shifted Elle's gift in my hands. "You're hilarious. I had to make sure this was perfect."
Gavin's playful expression softened. "She'll love it, Ris. Stop worrying so much."
I sighed. He was right, but I couldn't help it. After everything Elle had been through, I wanted this birthday to be extra special for her. I glanced around the room, taking in the laughter and animated conversations.
Maybe this was exactly what we all needed right now, a reason to come together and celebrate, even just for one day. To remind ourselves that, despite the hardships, we still had each other. My family.
With a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and headed further into the pack house to find the birthday girl. It was time to give Elle the piece of her mother I'd so carefully gathered and, hopefully, a small measure of healing along with it.
Nathan stepped into the room, and for a second, our gazes locked. There was something unreadable in his expression, something tight and cautious. Did he know what I brought? I looked away quickly, my pulse spiking.
I spotted Elle sitting in the center of the room, surrounded by torn wrapping paper and opened gifts. Her cousin Bryce sat beside her, already playing with one of her new video games, while a group of younger pack members talked excitedly nearby.
I stepped forward, heart pounding a little. "Hey, Elle. I have one more for you."
Elle looked up and gave me a big smile that eased some of my nerves. I'd been working on this gift all week and couldn't wait for her to see it.
"What is it?" She reached out eagerly for the package.
I handed it over, holding my breath as she started to pull at the wrapping paper slowly, unfolding the gift beneath. Her fingers stilled when she saw what was inside: a leather-bound photo album.
Carefully, almost reverently, Elle opened the cover and began flipping through the pages. I knew exactly what she was seeing: photos of her mom Mira that I'd gathered from pack members and friends. Snapshots of a life cut too short but still cherished by those Mira left behind.
I risked a glance at Nathan, trying to gauge his reaction, but his expression was inscrutable. Wary. Ilooked back at Elle, praying I hadn't overstepped and that this wouldn't be too painful, too overwhelming for either of them.
Silence settled over the room as everyone watched Elle take in each treasured image. Please let this be the right thing, I thought. Let it bring more comfort than sorrow. She deserved a tangible piece of her mother to hold onto, now more than ever. I just hoped I hadn't made a terrible mistake.
Elle's fingers traced the edge of a photo as she studied it intently. Her mother's smiling face gazed up at her from the page, forever young and beautiful. Elle's breath hitched.
"Where did you get these?" she asked as her eyes filled with tears.
Nathan moved to kneel beside her, placing a steadying hand on her back.
"People who loved your mom still remember her," I said. "I talked to them, found these.”
Nathan looked up at me. “This is incredible."
My heart clenched at the raw emotion in his voice. I knew how much Mira had meant to him, how deepthat wound still cut. Seeing her again this way had to be overwhelming.
Elle lifted her head, tears streaking down her face. "I thought I wouldn't get to see her again. I don't even remember half of these moments."
"She's always been with you," I said softly, fighting back my own tears. "But I thought maybe having something tangible would help."
Understanding flickered in Elle's red-rimmed eyes, the wariness fading, replaced by pure gratitude. She closed the album gently, then, to my complete shock, launched herself at me, enveloping me in a tight hug.
"Thank you," she whispered fiercely. "Thank you so much."
I returned the embrace just as tightly, relief flooding through me. I caught Nathan's gaze over her shoulder and saw my own feelings reflected there, a bittersweet mix of love, grief, and gratitude for this precious gift. A piece of Mira, preserved forever. Tears pricked at my eyes.
"You're welcome," I murmured, holding Elle close. "Your mom would be so proud of you. Never forget that."
