Chapter 57

• I was so caught up in Ethan’s enthusiasm that I barely noticed the shift in the air around me. His small hands were clasped around a balloon, and his eyes were wide with admiration as he watched me demonstrate a magic trick. The childlike innocence in his gaze made the world feel like a much simpler place.
• “You have to pull your hand back just a little—that way, it looks like you’re pulling the balloon from your sleeve,” I explained, my voice light, trying to keep the trick as magical as possible.
• Ethan’s tiny hands clapped together, his cheeks flushed with excitement. “Serena, you’re amazing!”