🩷 TWO WEEKS = A NEW EXCERPT 🩷

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One last present. Did a classmate buy me something? All the family gifts have already been opened.

With a buzz of excitement in my belly, I pick up the last box. The package is small. A little bigger than my palm. I tear off the dark-green bow and ribbon. No tag. Then I peel back the gray paper. Lift the lid on the blank white box and open the tissue paper flaps. A brown leather pouch with a gold snap in the middle sits nestled in the box. It matches the leather case for the flashlight. I remove it from the box and open the pouch. Stare down at the hinged gold circle with a button and loop.

With a press of the button, it pops open. Inside is a compass. On the inside of the lid is another engraved message. When you’re lost, find true north.

“Do you like it?” Helena whisper-asks.

My eyes shoot to hers as my vision blurs. Slowly, I nod. “My favorite,” I choke out quietly. “Thank you.”

Her gift is practical. Something no one would ask questions about. But the message… is generic enough to not raise brows or stir uncomfortable conversations. But it also says I am not alone. There is always another path to take. There is always hope if you go in a different direction.

A bright smile lights her face. She reaches over the arms of our chairs and wraps me in her arms. I close my eyes and let her peace fill me up. Let her light shine on some of my darkness.

She straightens in her chair and gives me a smaller smile. “Happy birthday, Ander.”

No one has ever called me Ander, but I like the way it makes me feel. Like I belong.

“Thanks, North.”

Her smile grows.

“Happy birthday to us.”