Chapter 10 - Room Enough for Two
Ten years after that fateful 2 a.m. discovery, Lily and Maya stood in front of their bedroom mirror, putting the finishing touches on their high school graduation gowns. Both girls had grown into confident, beautiful young women, preparing to head off to Stanford University together in the fall.
I stood in the doorway, leaned against the frame, watching them adjust each other's caps and golden honor cords.
"Mom, are you crying again?" Lily teased gently, catching my reflection in the mirror with a warm smile.
"I can't help it," I wiped a stray tear from my cheek. "It feels like just yesterday you were eight years old, telling me your bed felt too small."
Maya turned around, her bright eyes shining with deep affection. She walked over and wrapped her arms gently around my waist, just as she used to do when she was a little girl seeking comfort.
"My bed was never too small, Mom," Maya whispered softly, her voice rich with gratitude. "It was just waiting for me to arrive."
Lily walked over and joined the embrace, wrapping her arms around both of us. Michael appeared at the door, carrying a camera, catching the three of us locked in a tight, loving hug.
The camera flashed, capturing the moment forever.
That evening, after the graduation dinner had ended and our guests had left, I walked down the quiet hallway and paused outside the girls' bedroom door. Inside, I could hear them talking softly, laughing about their upcoming college dorm setup, planning how they would arrange their twin desks and bookshelves.
May you like
I smiled to myself, pushing the door open slightly to check on them one last time before bed.
The soft yellow nightlight still glowed warmly in the corner of the room. The two beds sat side by side, bathed in its soothing, golden light. There was plenty of space, plenty of warmth, and above all—more than enough room for love.
