Emily’s backyard had been transformed into a pirate cove at her request.
Mock treasure chests and an inflatable ship adorned the space, soda and drinks served in tankards, as colorful flags fluttered in the breeze. In the center of the yard stood a masterpiece of a cake—a chocolate pirate ship, carefully placed atop a blue square of frosting, with gold edible coins scattered across its deck.
Children dressed as pirates dashed about, their laughter filling the air. Emily’s friends Lily, Lucy, and others from school and the neighborhood ran helter skelter, with shrieks of joy, their energy seemingly infinite.
From the sidelines, Sarah and Thomas chatted with other parents, chaperoned the children, and kept the festivities running. Occasionally they looked over at their incredible daughter - their hearts filled with pride, joy, hope and just a hint of awe.
As the treasure hunt continued, Emily suddenly paused, and turned to her parents with a mischievous glint. “You know, pirate maps were really more complicated than this. I mean for a bunch of drunk, early century marauders - they sure knew their cryptography.”
She winked and ran off, momentarily leaving her puzzled friends staring at each other.
Sarah and Thomas couldn’t help but shake their heads - recognizing the blend of Emily Daniel and raw intelligence their firecracker of a daughter possessed.
Thomas chuckled, shaking his head. “Was that the Daniel part of her?” he murmured to Sarah.
Stolen novel; please report.
Sarah smiled knowingly, “Maybe. But it’s all Emily too,” she replied.
Soon, it was time to cut the cake. Everyone gathered around—friends, neighbors, parents, and of course, her own family, visible or not; and began singing “Happy Birthday” in celebration.
“Happy birthday, Shrimp,” Daniel whispered, his voice warm and genuinely happy, sending a comforting pulse radiating throughout Emily. “My sweet, smart, compassionate gremlin—may you never change.”
After a pause, he added more softly, “You’ve got it good. A family like this doesn’t come easy, trust me. I had to cross universes.”
Emily felt the weight of his words. She closed her eyes, letting herself feel, truly feel the warmth of the moment, the love that surrounded her.
“It’s yours too, Danny,” she thought firmly. “Even if they don’t say it out loud yet, they care about you like I do. One day they will. I promise.”
With that promise, Emily opened her eyes, took a deep breath, and blew out the candles. Cheers erupted around her, and someone called out, “What did you wish for, Emily?”
“She looked up, her gaze landing on her parents. ‘I have everything I need,’ she said softly, her voice warm and assured. Then, with a playful wink, her eyes briefly glinted, hinting at Daniel’s presence. Leaning in, she whispered so only her parents could hear, “One day, so will he.’”
Sarah and Thomas exchanged a knowing glance, their hearts swelling. They knew that Emily’s journey—and Daniel’s—was far from over. There were lessons yet to be learned, secrets to uncover, and challenges to face. But they also knew that together, they were stronger, bound by love, acceptance, and a determination to stand by each other.
For as Emily and Daniel had once said - isn’t that what family is? Those who stand by you no matter what?
— The End —
Emily and Daniel’s story continues in the “The Guardians Within”