Hope sat on Hannah’s lap wearing a soft yellow cardigan.

Lucas carried the cake out too early, forgetting we hadn’t sung yet, and had to retreat to the kitchen while everyone laughed.

When the candle was lit, we sang together.

Hope reached toward the flame, and Hannah gently moved the cake out of reach.

Lucas helped her blow it out, then took a photograph of the mess she’d already made of the frosting.

There was no perfect ending hidden in that moment.