Crystal Hearts

Epilogue

Ashley laughed loudly while playing in a garden. The little girl, with her curly hair bouncing wildly, was running after a kite with her little ponytail dancing in the air. Her parents, Ashter and Crystal, sat on a blanket nearby, watching her with loving eyes.

“She’s so full of energy,” Crystal remarked, her lips curving into a smile as she leaned against Ashter’s shoulder.

Ashter chuckled, wrapping an arm around her. “Just like her mom.”

Crystal nudged him playfully but couldn’t hide her grin. “She does have your determination, though. Look at her go.”

Ashley suddenly stopped, her eyes lighting up as she spotted a squirrel darting up a tree. “Mommy! Daddy! Look!” she called out excitedly, pointing.

Ashter stood up, holding out a hand to Crystal. “Come on, let’s go see what our little explorer has found.”

They walked over to where Ashley stood, her eyes wide with wonder as the squirrel peered down at her from a high branch. “It’s so cute!” she exclaimed.

Crystal crouched down beside her daughter, smiling up at the tiny creature. “It sure is, sweetheart.”

Ashter placed a gentle hand on Ashley’s shoulder, his voice warm and tender. “You know, you’re pretty cute yourself.”

Ashley giggled, turning to hug her dad’s leg. “Daddy, you’re silly!”

Crystal laughed softly, standing up and brushing off her jeans. “How about we go for ice cream? I think our little explorer deserves a treat.”

Ashley’s eyes widened with excitement. “Yes! Ice cream!”

Ashter scooped her up, holding her high in the air as she squealed in delight. “Alright, ice cream it is,” he said, grinning as Crystal wrapped her palm around his arm.

As they made their way to the ice cream stand, Ashley talked happily about all the things she’d seen in the park. Crystal and Ashter listened, their hearts swelling with love for their daughter and for each other.

With ice cream cones in hand, the three of them sat on a bench, enjoying the sweet treat as the sun began to set. Ashley’s face was smeared with chocolate, but she didn’t care. She was too busy telling her parents about the next adventure she wanted to go on.

Crystal leaned her head against Ashter’s shoulder, her heart full. “Today was perfect,” she whispered.

Ashter kissed the top of her head, his voice soft and filled with affection. “Every day with you and Ashley is perfect.”

As the sky turned a deep shade of orange, they walked home hand in hand, Ashley’s little fingers clutching both of theirs. The world around them seemed to glow with the warmth of their love, and they knew that no matter what the future held, they would always have each other.

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