95. The Amusement Park

Alina's Pov

It was one of those crisp summer mornings where the air smelled faintly of cotton candy and freshly mown grass. Asher had been pestering me for weeks about going to the amusement park, his bright blue eyes sparkling with excitement every time he mentioned the Ferris wheel or the bumper cars. I had resisted for as long as I could, knowing that agreeing meant also spending the day with Theodore. But Asher’s enthusiasm was infectious, and I finally caved in.

Asher bounded ahead, his small hand clasped in Theodore’s, as we walked through the park gates. The sun cast playful shadows on the ground, and the sounds of laughter and cheerful music filled the air. I trailed behind, trying to keep my emotions in check.

“Mom, come on!” Asher’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Let’s go on the roller coaster first!”

I forced a smile and quickened my pace. “Alright, let’s do it.”

The roller coaster was a blur of speed and color, and Asher’s delighted screams made my heart swell with jo