Emma’s tiny hands gently shook Addison’s shoulder. “Mama, wake up. Daddy, wake up. It’s birthday time.”

“There’s our birthday girl,” Jaxon said softly, pulling Emma between them with warm affection.

“Happy birthday, little dove,” Addison whispered, noticing their bedside calendar where today’s date was circled in red: “Emma and Wyatt’s birthday.”

“Look, baby. You and Uncle Wyatt share the same special day.”

“Uncle Wyatt! Soldier angel,” Emma said with quiet delight.

“That’s right, sweetheart,” Jaxon confirmed gently. “Uncle Wyatt is watching over us today.”

“Why can’t I see Uncle Wyatt?” Emma asked with innocent curiosity.

“Because he’s in heaven protecting us from there,” Addison explained carefully.

“Can we visit him?” Emma requested with hopeful eyes.

“We can visit his special place,” Jaxon promised. “After birthday pancakes.”

“Pancakes with butterflies?” Emma asked with growing excitement.

“Butterfly pancakes just for you, princess,” Jaxon agreed with indulgent smile.

Breakfast stretched into a pleasant mess. Emma concentrated intently on her artistic syrup application.

“Emma, remember to actually eat some pancakes,” Addison suggested with gentle humor.

“I am eating, Mama. Look,” Emma demonstrated by taking an enormous bite that left syrup on her nose.

“Very impressive,” Jaxon said, wiping her face with patient care.

“Tell me about butterfly garden,” Emma requested, pointing toward the memorial space through their window.

“That’s where we remember brave people who helped others,” Addison explained simply.

“Like Uncle Wyatt?” Emma asked with understanding beyond her years.

“Exactly like Uncle Wyatt,” Jaxon confirmed with quiet conviction. “He made sure bad people couldn’t hurt families anymore.”

“Are the bad people gone forever?” Emma pressed with serious concern.

“Yes, sweetheart. They’re in jail where they can’t hurt anyone,” Rose had helped make sure of that.

“Good,” Emma said with satisfied finality. “Uncle Wyatt is happy then.”

“Uncle Wyatt is very happy,” Addison agreed with certainty.

Two hours later, they approached the memorial garden. Emma walked carefully between her parents, her blue dress with white flowers making her look like a tiny angel herself.

Rose stood beside Wyatt’s headstone, her usual intensity softened for this special occasion.

“There’s my favorite little birthday girl,” Rose said warmly, opening her arms for Emma’s enthusiastic hug.

“Aunt Rose! I brought Uncle Wyatt birthday flowers,” Emma announced proudly, showing off her carefully chosen pink bouquet.

“Those are beautiful, Emma. Uncle Wyatt always loved flowers chosen with love,” Rose replied with gentle conviction.

“Can you help me put them on his bed?” Emma requested with trust that melted everyone’s hearts.

“His resting place,” Rose corrected softly, guiding Emma’s small hands as they arranged flowers beside the simple headstone: “WYATT HOWELL – BELOVED BROTHER – HE CHOSE LOVE OVER VENGEANCE.”

“Tell me about brave Uncle Wyatt,” Emma requested, settling cross-legged on the grass with expectant attention.

“Uncle Wyatt was the most courageous person we ever knew,” Jaxon began with quiet reverence. “He protected people who couldn’t protect themselves.”

“Was he stronger than Superman?” Emma asked with wide-eyed fascination.

“Much stronger,” Rose confirmed. “Because he fought real monsters and won.”

“What kind of monsters?” Emma pressed with fearless curiosity.

“Bad people who hurt families,” Jaxon explained carefully. “But Uncle Wyatt made sure they couldn’t hurt anyone ever again.”

“Forever and ever?” Emma asked with innocent hope.

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