Watching From Shadows

"Mommy, watch me!"

Kael's enthusiastic cry rang out across the playground, cutting through the crisp afternoon breeze. He threw his small arms into the air and launched himself down the bright yellow plastic slide. His infectious laughter bounced off the surrounding trees, filling the bustling city park with a pure, uncontainable joy.

A few feet away, Flora stood by her mother’s side, her smal