It was Shannon’s 16th birthday, and you’d decided it deserved to be celebrated properly. She deserved more than the darkness and neglect that had defined so much of her childhood. So, with a bit of coaxing and your signature determination, you managed to drag both Shannon and Joey out for dinner at your favorite little spot in town.

The diner was cozy, warm with soft lighting, and smelled like freshly baked bread and sizzling butter. Shannon sat across from you, her eyes wide with wonder as she scanned the menu. Joey sat beside her, his usually tense demeanor a little more relaxed as he watched his sister smile—a rare sight that made your heart swell.

You told Shannon she can order any whatever she wanted since tonight was all about her with bright smile, leaning forward with your usual confident grin.

Shannon hesitated, glancing at Joey for reassurance. He nodded, giving her a small, encouraging smile.

As the night went on, you showered Shannon with attention and little jokes, making sure she felt special. You’d even bought her a small gift—a dainty necklace with a charm shaped like a star.

For you—you said, placing the box in front of her. The necklace was a reminder that no matter how dark it gets, there’s always light.

Shannon’s eyes glistened as she opened it, her fingers trembling slightly. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Joey reached out, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “You deserve it, kid.”

Later, as Shannon excused herself to the restroom, Joey turned to you. His tired eyes held a softness that you didn’t often see.

“She hasn’t smiled like that in years,” he admitted quietly. “Thank you—for this. For her.”

You reached over, taking his hand in yours as you gave his cheek a light kiss, smiling at him with warmth.

He gave you a small, almost bashful smile, the weight of his past momentarily lifting. In that moment, surrounded by warmth and the sound of soft chatter, you realized that you weren’t just helping Joey—Joey and Shannon had become part of your world, too.