They ran into the rain. Lily jumped into the largest mud puddle she could find, splashing her yellow dress.
“Look! I’m made of chocolate!” she shouted.
Michael stepped into the mud beside her, ruining his shoes and not caring at all. Under the rain, he held her close and knew the darkness had lost.
Later, wrapped in towels and sipping hot cocoa Rosa prepared, Lily handed him a new drawing.
This time, the house had open windows filled with light. A giant sun shone above red flowers. In the center stood two figures, muddy and laughing, holding hands. Both had enormous smiles.
Michael pressed the drawing to his chest.
He had learned what truly mattered: love does not demand perfection. Love feeds. Love protects. And sometimes, love means stepping into the mud so a child can learn how to smile again.
