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“The last tinant Now, I’ive hiles intothe cos to my heart “His name is Ryan Alejandro Cruz Junior He’s named after Ryan and my dad”

I try so hard to control my sobs, but I can’t stop the, but I also know that had he still been alive I wouldn’t have RJ It’s such a couess when it comes down to it, I have to look at it like fro that was out of ht was Ryan, and in turn, came RJ

“I never planned to be a ,” I continue “But he’s quickly become my entire world He’s filled so many of the holes you created in my heart when you died”

I hold RJ tight, crying into his side I used to dread crying because it sy forward, but now, it feels therapeutic As if I’ room in it for RJ

“Ryan leaves next week” I take a deep breath “I’m not sure if I should even talk to you about him, but I don’t knoho else to talk to, ould understand like you do He’s in the hanistan, but he came home for teeks He asked me to marry hi to disturb his sleep He’s swaddled tightly, so he’s nice and warm

“I can’t do it,” I tell Ian “Losing you was so da Ryan would do tofor hi, but I was naïve back then I didn’t fully coet it, and I just can’t bringfor RJ He needs ”

“Oh, Micaela” A feminine voice co behind me

“Mrs Anderson”

“Oh, dear, please call“I’ve missed you so much”

“I’ve missed you too”

“And who’s this little guy?” she asks, once we pull apart

“I’m so sorry I shouldn’t have…”

“Stop” She patsto Ian when I alking up It’s okay”

“This is RJ” I kneel next to my son, and Jeanine does the same “He’s only a week old”