chapter 18

**The Circle of Life**

The years continued to slip by with a comforting rhythm, each one adding new layers of memories and love to the life that Claire and Ethan had built in Seabreeze. The little coastal town had become the backdrop of their family’s story—a place where every street, every beach, and every garden held echoes of their shared history.

Lillian and Samuel were growing fast, each day bringing new adventures and challenges as they discovered the world around them. Lillian, now ten years old, was becoming more independent and curious, her love for books and stories reminding Claire so much of her younger self. Samuel, at five, was a bundle of energy, always asking questions and wanting to learn how things worked. His wide eyes and inquisitive nature brought endless joy to their household.

One autumn afternoon, Claire stood in the kitchen, preparing an apple pie for dessert. The warm aroma of cinnamon and apples filled the air, mixing with the sound of Lillian and Samuel’s l