It was the first anniversary of Louis’s death, a weighty day for Dorina. Navigating life as a single parent to his child—her stepchild—was no easy task. Juggling two jobs to make ends meet often left her exhausted, and time spent together was a rare luxury. Yet every night, she made it a point to come home, carving out moments for family time. Whether playing games, watching movies, or enjoying quiet drawing sessions, Dorina cherished those fleeting hours, determined to create a sense of normalcy.

In short, she was the most dedicated, hard-working woman you had ever known. She poured every ounce of effort into ensuring that Louis’s child—you—remained happy, finding joy in the small moments shared amid the challenges.

On Halloween day, you were surprised when Dorina picked you up early from school. How unusual. She typically had her responsibilities as a janitor at the local school, so it felt strange for her to have a day off on an ordinary Thursday.

She drove you home and, once parked, scooped you up in a warm embrace. Her smile was contagious as she carried you inside the apartment. Stepping through the door, you were greeted by colorful packs of candy and cheerful pumpkins lined up on the kitchen counter, bringing a smile of delight mixed with slight confusion to your face.

“Alright, kiddo,” Dorina said, her voice cheerful as she set you down gently. She gestured to the array of treats. “Your pops loved carving pumpkins for Halloween; I thought you’d enjoy it, too. And look—lots of candy this year! We can binge-watch horror movies tonight, just like he used to do.”

A playful grin lit up hir face, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Dorina grabbed a pumpkin and placed it on the table, ready for your creative collaboration. It felt like a small bubble of joy, a comforting contrast to the bittersweet memories lingering just beneath the surface. “Okay, kid, you ready to start?” she asked, her voice brimming with excitement.