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The rest of the day passed peacefully and beautifully at a local park with a small lake and plenty of grassy areas to run around.

Despite Karl's occasional flares of jealousy whenever Tyler monopolized too much of my attention, the young boy's bright energy and excitement over every little thing—chasing after ducks, climbing on the play structures, and going for a ride on the paddle boats—lightened the mood considerably.

His youthful zest for life and finding magic in the mundane was utterly infectious.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange, pink and purple, we reluctantly headed back to the Sullivan family home where we were staying for the weekend visit.

Karl carried a sleeping Tyler up the driveway and into the house. The poor little guy was utterly tuckered out from our active day.

Kelly looked up from where she was setting the table when we entered through the kitchen.

"Is he finally out?" she asked with a warm smile, referring to her s