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I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his hair. “You’ll always be okay. Your big sister got you, firefly,” I whisper.

You’ll be okay.

My eyes are closed, and all I can see is a star flying across the sky for you, little Mireya. Mom is with you. She’s with you and I hope you’re both watching me. I promised you both Milo will always be safe.

He will be.

Mom, dad never found you, but he did find me. At least, he’ll never find Milo long enough to ruin him like he ruined us.

Play - Silence by Marshmello, Khalid

Morning came, Milo and I had our star cookies to mark the day and Hayzel passed by to make sure everything was okay. I’m pretty sure she was just too excited to stay in one place like a normal person.

She stole a few cookies, played with Blue and even brought him a soft blanket because apparently she had to thank him for being his second best friend this year.

I’m in my room, searching for my phone when Milo comes in with a pile of stuff. Even Blue is concerned as he stares at him holding a gigantic pyramid of shirts and pants.

“Emm…what’s happening?” I ask as he throws the clothing down on the bed with force.

“Go get dressed, Reya. I need to pick an outfit,” he says, rolling his eyes.

“Okay…but, can you explain why you have all these clothes on my bed?”

I watch his small hands go through the variety of shirts. “Nana said I look older when I dress up well.”

I hold my hands up, shaking my head. “I’m going to the bathroom…”

After a quick shower under Blue’s supervision, and an even quicker getting-ready session , I get back in the room and find Milo fully dressed.

I smile at him as he prances around the room with the radio on full blast.

“Ready to go baby?”

He turns to me looking rather startled and I bite back a laugh,

“You’re okay, baby…I was just saying are you ready to go?”

He beams at me before nodding.

“Great, just give me a second…I just need to check if Blue has everything set up for tonight!”

“Can I play with him before we leave? he asks.

“Of course, go downstairs, but make sure the windows are closed!” I yell as he’s already out of my vision, descending the stairs with Blue following him.

Food, check. Water, check. Toys everywhere in the room, check. Blanket near the window, check.

Everything looks good.

After a few more minutes, I join Milo downstairs, he’s running around with Blue sprinting behind him.

I’m about to speak when someone knocks at the door.

“I’ll open it!” I say, as Milo stops moving.

Behind the door, a beautiful Hayzel all ready for the graduation and a smiling Edna are waiting for me.

“Graduation day!” Hayzel screams as she comes in to hug me.