"Is it okay if they have cake this early?" I asked the pediatrician, glancing at the children who were eagerly awaiting their turn. The question felt silly, but I wanted to be sure. These children had been through so much, and I didn't want to do anything that might upset their fragile systems.
The children were each getting their check-ups one after another, their small bodies moving through the examination process with quiet cooperation. Every time one of them finished, they would run straight to me, their faces bright with accomplishment.
"Mister! I'm done!"
I would crouch down to their height, smile, and praise them for being so brave before handing them two pieces of candy. Their eyes would light up, their small hands closing around the treats like they were treasures. The cakes and candy had arrived much faster than I expected, a small miracle in the midst of chaos.
