Chapter 6 - The Science Fair at Lincoln ParkIn late September 2026, the grand sunlit gymnasium of the Lincoln Park Community Center was packed with parents, teachers, and children for the annual Regional Elementary Science Fair.
Standing at Table 14 were four-year-old Theo and Eli Calloway, wearing tiny white lab coats with their names embroidered in dark blue thread.
On their table sat a giant, four-foot-tall working model of a volcano made from papier-mâché, complete with red LED lights and a vinegar-baking-soda eruption system.
Standing right behind them, wearing a simple linen shirt with rolled-up sleeves, holding a paper towel roll to clean up spills, was me.
Beside me stood Naomi, looking radiant in a soft yellow sundress, her dark hair shining in the afternoon sun, her hazel eyes holding a quiet, deep, unbroken peace.
"Okay, Dad!" Theo shouted excitedly, his left eyebrow shooting up with that familiar, brilliant mischief. "Hit the red switch!"
I flipped the switch. The volcano bubbled over with red foam, and the entire gymnasium erupted into applause!
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Eli jumped up and down, throwing his small arms around my waist, while Theo gave me a high-five before hugging his mother.
I knelt down on the gym floor, pulling both my sons into my broad arms, kissing their foreheads, tears of pure, weightless joy streaming down my face.
