My First Memory (From Another's Perspective)

The door bell rang. I looked over at my husband, sadly. My pre-teen daughter ran to the door, happy to invite our little guest in. When she opened it, I saw the father and mother bend down to their 2 and a half year old daughter that she had to stay with my family for the night. I wonder what ran through Chelsea's mind as her parents hugged her. Did she comprehend what was happening? She looked happy, and I could tell her parents were trying to be strong for her, forced smiles on their faces. I went over to my friend and embraced her, and she kept herself composed. As they waved goodbye and began to leave, I spotted a tear trickling down her face. I waved back and shut the door, saying a prayer for their baby boy. Snapping back into the moment, I turned to Chelsea and exclaimed "let's go play hide and seek!" Her laughter filled the room, her innocence piercing the sad tension that floated in the air.