Chapter 4 - The Space Exploration Book
While the adults were caught in a whirlwind of high-stakes family drama, the birthday boy finally made his appearance.
Seven-year-old Leo, Beatrice’s youngest son, ran onto the deck wearing a pirate hat and carrying a plastic sword.
He skidded to a halt, looking incredibly confused by the deadly silence and the weeping adults.
Leo’s eyes landed on Lily, who was sitting at his table holding a small, brightly wrapped package.
“Lily!” Leo cheered, completely ignoring the tension as he sprinted over to his cousin.
“Did you bring me a present?”
Lily hesitated, glancing nervously at Julian, who was sulking in the corner.
“It’s not a motorized telescope,” Lily whispered softly, handing the clearance-aisle gift to her cousin.
Leo ripped the cheap wrapping paper apart with wild enthusiasm.
When he saw the cover of the space exploration book, his eyes widened with absolute awe.
“No way!” Leo screamed, jumping up and down in his expensive sneakers.
“This is the exact book Mr. Harrison showed us in the school library! It has the glow-in-the-dark maps of the Andromeda galaxy!”
Julian scoffed from the corner, crossing his arms.
“It’s just a stupid paper book, Leo.”
Leo turned to his older brother with a fiercely determined glare.
“You’re stupid, Julian! This is the best present I got all day!”
Leo grabbed a gold-dusted cupcake, shoved it into his mouth, and pulled a chair right next to Lily.
“Show me the glow-in-the-dark pages right now,” Leo demanded happily.
Eleanor watched the pure, innocent interaction between the two children, and a genuine smile finally touched her wrinkled lips.
She turned to Beatrice, who was still trembling in her silk pants.
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“Take notes, Beatrice,” Eleanor whispered coldly.
“Your youngest son somehow managed to escape your toxic, shallow parenting, but I will not allow you to ruin him like you ruined Julian.”
