***
That evening, back at home, Hazel curled into Grandpa Sam’s side on the couch.
“You made me feel beautiful even in the suit,” she whispered.
He folded the pink dress into her arms.
Hazel curled into Grandpa Sam’s side.
“Keep this, sweetheart. So you’ll always remember that real family stands beside you when others try to make you feel small.”
My daughter held the dress like a trophy, and I finally understood she’d grow up knowing exactly what love looked like.
