CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT: ATHENA

We all watched as Leo ripped off the wrapping paper and opened his gift first, which contained a new pair of basketball shoes and a new basketball with what appeared to be a signature scribble on the side.

"Athena said you liked basketball, so I got my brother to get you a signed basketball from your favorite player, Michael Jordan," Sophia explained, and Leo abruptly stood up from his chair and walked over to her, crouching down and hugging her tightly.

"Thank you, Sophia, this is by far one of the best gifts I've ever received," Leo said, tightening his hold on her.

"It's okay, dear, think of it as a gift for taking care of my baby," Sophia said, smiling down at him as he stood up and walked back to his seat, hugging the gift as if it would disappear if he let go. I smiled as I stared at the three of them, there were still kids like me no matter how tough or mature they acted.

Austin opened his gift when Leo took his seat, and unlike Leo, he couldn't control his emotions; his eyes w