No Strings Attached

Clara struggled to put into words the whirlwind of emotions she was experiencing. There was excitement, a sense of relief, and an even greater sense of heartache. Her heart ached for Grandma Marian, who had lost her daughter, and for her mom, who had been taken from life far too young.

Clara held Marian's hand, her eyes filled with tears. She looked at her and softly said, "Grandma, we'll visit her together once you're out of the hospital, okay?"

At these words, Marian's lips trembled with emotion. "Clara, does this mean you're considering being a part of our family again?"

Clara offered a faint, bittersweet smile. "Dad said having more people to love me isn't a bad thing. He'll always be my favorite dad."

"That's right. Casey will always be your dad. We won't compete with him for you. We just want to give you more people to look after you, to cherish you."

Marian couldn't express in words how grateful she was to Casey. He had raised his daughter for over twenty years and had selflessly convinced her to reconnect with her biological family. It was clear evidence of his kind nature.

the conversation, turned to Clara, his eyes unable to hide

I'm your brother. Would you call me brother? How

Clara's still recovering, and Grandma just woke up. Let her rest in her room for now. Keeping the baby safe is

frustration. "Ian, just you wait. There'll come a day when you'll

"Don't worry. That day will never

burst open. James and

so Grandma is fine now. Mom,

went from the weight of concern for Marian to a state of joy. He watched Clara, incredulous. "Clara, is what

didn't give a direct answer,

reddened with emotion. He gently patted Clara's head and smiled. "Alright, once you

child, your mother's spirit can finally rest in peace." She enveloped Clara in a warm embrace. Clara's