Chapter 49

• As the day of departure dawned, Valerie found herself engulfed in a sea of emotions, silently sobbing as she performed the final packing. The children, sensitive to their mother's distress, offered a touching display of concern.
• "Mom, if you don't want to go, we can stay with you. We don't want you to be sad," Kyle expressed, his worry mirrored in Kelly's eyes.
• Forcing a smile through tear-streaked cheeks, Valerie reassured them, "No, my loves, these are happy tears. I'm just going to miss our home here. But New York is waiting for us with exciting adventures."