“I want to go to the park!” Liam exclaimed when we finished our breakfast. My mother looked over at him.

"I thought you wanted to see the horses."

"I want to do both," he grinned, looking up at her, and Mom nodded. He dashed out of the kitchen and returned a few minutes later, proudly showing us his new football.

"Tyrian gave this to me, and I want to play at the park," he boasted, and I smiled softly at him. Indeed, he was an amazing kid; he had even managed to get Dad to smile and buy him presents.

“Honey, could you take him? I'm busy today,” Mom said,...