Two months later…

Chilli: "Crap!!"

Chilli hurried around the house, hanging decorations and trying to set things up, while Calypso was busy in the kitchen cooking, her face smudged with flour and sauce. Meanwhile, Rosie had taken YN out to the park to play and watch the birds. You might wonder, what’s the big rush? Well, it’s simple—it’s YN and Rosie’s birthday!

Chilli: "Happy birthday, Mom and YN!!"

Chilli called out as she and Calypso, exhausted from hours of setting up, watched Rosie and YN return home to the surprise party.

Rosie: "Oh, it’s so beautiful, dears! And YN and I share a birthday? That’s wonderful!"

Chilli: "I’m so glad you love it, Mom. I didn’t tell you YN’s birthday on purpose—I wanted it to be a surprise!"

Rosie: "Thank you, dear. That just makes the bond between me and my grandson even more special."

Rosie kissed YN on the forehead, making him giggle, which caused Chilli and Calypso to chuckle as well. Rosie smiled and looked at the two of them.

Rosie: "Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s get this party started!"

The women started celebrating, while the now-two-year-old YN looked around, a bit confused by all the excitement, but happy to join in.

A few hours later, the women were sharing a few drinks at the kitchen table, watching YN play with his new toy cars in his play area.

Chilli: "Oh, I can already see it—this boy is going to be a heartbreaker one day."

Calypso chuckled.

Calypso: "Afraid some girl will take him away from you someday?"

Chilli rolled her eyes, and Rosie laughed softly.

Rosie: "I think she is, Calypso."

Chilli sighed. "It’s not that—I just worry about him finding the right one. I don’t want him to be used by someone unworthy."

Rosie and Calypso exchanged worried glances, but then Rosie chuckled, drawing Chilli’s attention.

Rosie: "Honey, don’t worry so much. You still have him for at least 17 years before he’s off to college. Focus on the present!"

Calypso: "She’s right, Chilli. Besides, we’ll all be here to help guide him when it’s time."

Chilli looked over at YN, who was still happily playing with his toys, and let out a sigh of relief.

Chilli: "You’re right—I need to focus on him now. Thanks, Mom, Calypso. You’re both the best."

Rosie: "It’s my job as your mother, dear."

Calypso: "And mine as your best friend—keeping you grounded even when you’re a bit of a hothead."

Chilli chuckled, rolling her eyes.

Chilli: "Anyway, it’s almost time for cake! Let’s bring it out, and then we can give you your gifts. Although, YN has already snuck a peek at some of his presents."

They all laughed as Chilli went to the kitchen, bringing out a large white cake with "Rosie and YN" written on it, and the numbers 45 and 2. She set the cake down, and Calypso picked up YN, placing him on Rosie’s lap to help blow out the candles. YN looked amazed by the cake and didn’t know what to do, so Rosie blew out the candles for both of them, and everyone clapped.

Chilli took out her phone to snap a picture of her mother and son, while Calypso cut pieces of cake for everyone. After a few bites, YN was fast asleep in Calypso’s arms, his face covered in icing, so Chilli took another quick photo before gathering some gift bags.

Chilli: "Alright, Mom. Calypso and I got you a few special gifts!"

Rosie: "Oh, honey, you didn’t have to!"

Calypso: "Of course we did! Birthdays aren’t complete without presents. Go on, open them!"

Rosie opened the first bag to find a year-long spa day gift card and a set of new swimwear.

Rosie chuckled, looking at Calypso. "I bet these were your idea, Calypso."

Calypso smirked. "Maybe. I remember you telling Chilli you needed a spa day. And as for the swimwear, I figured we could all go to the beach soon, as a family."

Rosie: "I love it, dear. I’ll be sure to make the most of this spa pass."

They all laughed as Rosie reached into the next bag. She pulled out something, glanced at it, and her cheeks turned red. Chilli burst into laughter while Rosie and Calypso blushed, realizing the gift was an "11-inch toy" paired with a lingerie set. Quickly, Rosie shoved it back in the bag.

Rosie: "I don’t even need to guess who got me this."

Chilli: "Oh, come on, Mom! You’ll use it one day. And the lingerie set, well, just in case you meet someone special!"

Rosie shook her head, a hint of laughter breaking through, but she knew Chilli was probably right. Reaching into the final, smaller bag, Rosie pulled out a little box and gasped when she saw what was inside…



Rosie held the beautiful blue necklace in her hands, her eyes filling with tears. The delicate piece sparkled under the lights, and as she looked closer, she noticed the small engraving on the front that read, “YN and Rosie.” Tears slipped down her cheeks as she looked at Chilli and Calypso with a grateful smile before pulling them into a warm embrace.

Rosie: You two are the best. I couldn’t thank you enough.

Chilli: It’s nothing, Ma. Just glad I could make you happy.

Calypso: Same here. I just want you to be happy, Rosie. You helped raise me too, so I wanted to give something back.

Rosie’s face softened, but a hint of sadness crept in as she spoke.

Rosie: I am happy because I have my family with me… but I can’t help but miss someone.

Noticing her mother’s sadness, Chilli gave Calypso a knowing glance, then smiled.

Chilli: Actually, Mom, we have one more gift for you.

Chilli took out a tablet, turned it on, and handed it to Rosie. As the screen lit up, a familiar face appeared.

???: Hi, Mom! Long time no see, huh?

Rosie’s eyes widened, fresh tears welling up as she recognized her daughter.

Rosie: Brandy… my baby…

Brandy: Happy birthday, Mom! I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there with you and Chilli, but, well… you know how the military is.

Rosie: I know, honey, and it’s okay. Seeing you at all is enough for me.

Brandy’s smile softened as she continued.

Brandy: I’m glad to hear that. But it’s only for a few more years, and then I’ll be back home. I have a surprise, too—I’m planning to buy a cabin in the woods, near a beach, where we can all be together once I’m discharged.

Rosie: Really?!

Brandy: Yes, Mom, really! I’ve already talked to Chilli and Calypso about it, and we’re all in on the idea.

Rosie: That sounds like a dream come true… but enough about the future. How have you been, sweetheart?

They talked for a few minutes, catching up on memories and little details that made Rosie laugh and brought warmth into the room. After a while, Brandy glanced off-screen and sighed.

Brandy: All right, I’ve got to go, but I’ll call you tomorrow, okay? I love you, Mom.

Rosie: I love you too, Brandy. Stay safe, and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

Brandy: Love you too, Ma.

As the screen faded, Rosie let out a shaky breath, wiping away a final tear. She felt a gentle hand on her shoulder and looked up to see Calypso, her face filled with concern.

Rosie: I’m fine, dear. You don’t have to worry about me.

Calypso: You sure?

Rosie smiled and placed her hand over Calypso’s.

Rosie: I’m sure. It’s just… I miss her so much

Calypso gave Rosie’s shoulder a comforting squeeze before gently releasing her. They sat in comfortable silence, letting the warmth of family settle around them. Chilli soon returned, carrying a tray of tea and a few leftover cookies from the celebration.

Chilli: Thought we could all use something warm before calling it a night.

Rosie took a cup with a grateful smile.

Rosie: You always know just what I need, Chilli.

They each took a sip, letting the tea soothe the last traces of the day’s emotions. Rosie glanced around the living room, still decorated with balloons, streamers, and the remnants of the little party Chilli and Calypso had worked so hard to pull together.

Rosie: The house looks beautiful. Thank you both for everything. I feel so lucky to have you.

Chilli: We’re the lucky ones, Ma. And don’t think you’re getting rid of us anytime soon.

Calypso smiled, leaning back on the couch.

Calypso: That’s right, Rosie. We’re like permanent attachments—especially since YN keeps us all on our toes.

Rosie’s face softened, thinking of YN asleep in his room. She smiled, her heart swelling with love.

Rosie: He’s such a bright light in our lives. I can’t believe how far we’ve come as a family.

Chilli grinned, clearly reminiscing about the journey.

Chilli: I still remember the day we brought him home. It was one of the happiest days of my life. I was so nervous and excited all at once. I think I could barely sleep the night before!

Rosie laughed, the memory warming her heart.

Rosie: You were so determined to be the best. You practically had a checklist for everything!

Calypso: I wish I could’ve seen that. I bet the two of you were a sight.

Rosie’s expression grew tender.

Rosie: We had so many moments together, and now… I get to see YN grow up and make his own memories.

Chilli reached over and squeezed her mother’s hand gently.

Chilli: We’re all in this together, Ma. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Calypso: Exactly. We’re a family now, and that’s what matters most.

Rosie smiled, brushing away a tear.

Rosie: You both are my family, my world. And that little boy—he’s going to have all the love he could ever need.

The room settled into a soft calm. After a few moments, Chilli set her teacup down and glanced at the clock.

Chilli: Well, it’s getting late. I’ll make sure everything’s tidied up.

Calypso: I’ll help. Besides, we don’t want Rosie doing any more work tonight.

Rosie smiled, a touch of tiredness in her eyes as she watched the two move about, cleaning up the last traces of the party. The house was soon quiet, filled with the warmth of family and love, and as the night grew deeper, each of them felt the gentle peace that comes with being at home.

After everything was put away, they gathered back in the living room. The atmosphere was cozy, lit only by soft lamp light and the distant twinkling of stars outside. Rosie looked at Chilli and Calypso, her heart full.

Rosie: Moments like this remind me how lucky we are. Every day might not be perfect, but when we’re all together, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Chilli nodded, her expression serious yet joyful.

Chilli: You’re right, Ma. Family is everything. And no matter what happens, we’ll always have each other.

Calypso: And YN! He may not have come to us in the traditional way, but he’s ours now. That’s what makes it special.

Rosie felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She stood up, pulling both of them into a tight embrace.

Rosie: I love you both so much. Thank you for being my rock, my daughters, and the best family I could ever ask for.

Chilli and Calypso hugged her back tightly, the warmth of their connection wrapping around them like a cozy blanket.

Chilli: We love you too, Ma.

Calypso: Always.

As they separated, Rosie felt a renewed sense of hope.

Chilli glanced towards YN’s room, where the soft sounds of his breathing could be heard.

Chilli: I think it’s time we head to bed, too. YN will be up at the crack of dawn, ready to play.

Calypso: Agreed. Let’s get some rest so we can keep up with him.

Rosie chuckled, grateful for the lightheartedness.

Rosie: Sounds like a plan. I’ll tuck him in one last time before bed.

As Rosie made her way to YN’s room, she felt a mix of emotions—love, nostalgia, and the bittersweet pang of missing Brandy. She opened the door quietly, smiling at the sight of YN snuggled under his blanket, surrounded by his new toy cars. Leaning down, she placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.

Rosie: Sweet dreams, my love.

With one last look, she stepped back into the hallway, closing the door softly. The three of them gathered once more in the living room, ready to call it a night.

Chilli: Goodnight, Ma. Love you.

Calypso: Love you, Rosie. Sleep well.

Rosie: Goodnight, my beautiful girls. Love you both.

As she climbed into bed, Rosie felt a sense of peace settle around her. The house may be quiet now, but it was filled with love, memories, and the promise of many more beautiful moments to come.

In her dreams, she envisioned a future filled with laughter and family gatherings, where YN would grow up surrounded by love. She saw him playing on the beach with Chilli and Calypso, their laughter echoing in the air as they created new memories.